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Founded  1791 


COLLECTIONS 

VOL.  73 


Committee  of  Publication 

HENRY  CABOT  LODGE 
WINSLOW  WARREN 


WORTHINGTON  CHAUNCEY  FORD 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/warrenadamslette7321mass 


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WARREN-ADAMS 

LETTERS 


Being  chiefly  a correspondence  among 
John  Adams,  Samuel  Adams, 
and  James  Warren 

VOL.  II 

1778-1814 


7 z ? ? 


The  Massachusetts  Historical  Society 
1925 


FIVE  HUNDRED  COPIES  OF  THIS 
VOLUME  HAVE  BEEN  PRINTED  FROM 
TYPE  AND  THE  TYPE  DISTRIBUTED 


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Contents 


1778 

January  2.  Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams 1 

Consolation  for  departure  of  John  Adams.  Giving  advice  and  practice. 
Messages  and  a reminder. 

January  8.  Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams 2 

Adams’  appointment  to  Holland.  Scarcity  of  good  articles  but  plenty 
of  useless  baubles.  A bit  of  cambric. 

February  4.  Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 4 


Luxurious  living  of  British  officers.  Burgoyne  and  the  court-martial  of 
Colonel  Henley.  Detention  of  Convention  troops. 

March  7.  Martha  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 5 

Providence  good  to  Massachusetts  as  against  Virginia.  Burgoyne’s 


army.  Drowning  of  M.  de  Pliarne.  Family  news.  Mrs.  Gates. 

March  10.  Mercy  Warren  to  James  Warren 7 

Conspiracies  at  Cambridge  and  traitors  at  Boston.  Burgoyne  and 
Washington.  British  transports. 

May  8.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 8 

French  vessels  have  arrived.  Entertainments  for  the  French  officers. 

Navy  Board  in  want  of  money. 

May  10.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 9 

French  officers  entertained.  Absence  of  Hancock.  Prejudices  awakened 
by  the  Tories.  Indiscretion  of  a member  of  Congress. 

May  13.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 10 

No  news  of  war  with  France.  Interview  with  Mr.  Carmichael.  A town 
meeting. 

May  21.  James  Warren  to  William  Bingham 11 

No  intelligence  from  the  army.  Naval  officers.  Captain  Avery’s  mis- 
sion. Coit’s  misconduct. 

May  25.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 11 

Money  for  the  Navy  Board.  Good  appearance  of  the  army.  Steuben’s 
appointment.  Hancock.  On  opposing  Washington.  Robert  Morris. 

Good  humor  of  the  Congress. 


72.9  9A 


VI 


Contents 


May  31.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 13 

Is  not  chosen  to  the  General  Court  or  Board.  Sources  of  the  opposi- 
tion. Boston  has  lost  its  compass.  Smallpox  in  Boston.  Hancock’s 
leave-taking. 

June  1.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 15 

Arts  of  the  Forces  against  the  French  connection.  Lands  for  Arthur 
Lee.  Is  now  on  the  Marine  Committee.  Naval  transfers  and  appoint- 
ments. 

June  2.  Mercy  Warren  to  James  Warren 16 

Fickleness  and  ingratitude  of  man.  A clear  conscience.  Thomas.  Has 
long  felt  disgust.  Town  meeting.  Adams  and  Congress. 

June  7.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 18 

Rumors  of  his  capture.  Good  condition  of  the  army.  Currency  and 
prices.  Omitted  from  the  Court.  Envy  and  Hancock. 

June  13.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 21 

Supposes  he  declined  an  election.  The  British  force  commissioners. 

Lee’s  land. 

June  19.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 22 

Introduces  Pierre  Landais. 

June  20.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 23 

Consolation  for  being  dropped  from  the  Court. 

June  26.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 24 

Congress  and  the  British  Commissioners.  Reasons  for  being  dropped. 

Lee’s  land.  Naval  matters.  Annoyances  and  captains.  Adams’  voyage. 

June  28.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 27 

The  army.  British  troops  at  Rutland.  The  king’s  birthday.  Captain 
Burke. 

July  1.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams  . 29 

Safe  arrival  of  Boston.  Prizes  and  merchantmen  move  freely. 

July  5.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 30 

More  sentiments  on  the  navy.  Burke  and  Landais,  Manley  and  Barry. 
McNeil’s  mission.  Horses  and  cost  of  living. 

July  14.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 32 

False  ideas  of  politeness. 

July  15.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 33 

To  settle  ceremonial  in  receiving  M.  Gerard.  Articles  of  Confederation 
signed.  His  nephew. 

July  17.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 35 

Congress  returns  to  Philadelphia.  Charles  Lee.  Captain  John  Green. 


Contents 


Vll 


July  26.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren  36 

Alteration  in  the  state.  Congressional  representatives.  Should  take 
Canada.  Offer  of  peace  from  Great  Britain. 

August  4.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren  ........  38 

Congress  and  the  conciliatory  bills.  British  control  of  the  sea.  The  re- 
ligious prejudice.  A forecast  of  the  future. 

August  9.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren  .......  41 

Dana’s  return  and  Warren’s  business. 

August  18.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 41 

Ceremonials.  Naval  matters  and  rumors.  Hancock  and  the  Rhode 
Island  expedition. 

August  25.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 43 

Captains  Manley,  and  Landais.  The  Rhode  Island  expedition.  Aid  to 
the  French  fleet.  Return  of  Hancock. 

August  29.  Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren  .....  45 
Movement  of  troops.  Phillips  festivity. 

September  2.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 46 

Appearance  of  a fleet.  Rancor  against  the  French. 

September  22.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren  ......  46 

Introducing  Ebenezer  Hazard  and  his  scheme. 

September  30.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 47 

Contempt  an  excellent  antidote.  Proposed  admission  of  loyalists. 
Hancock  and  the  French.  Toasts  and  explanation. 

October  7.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 50 

News  and  events.  D’Estaing  at  Rhode  Island.  French  sailors  and  to- 
nes’ estates.  The  General  court.  Hancock. 

October  15.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams . . 53 

Warren’s  retirement.  Great  change  of  manners.  The  French  fleet  en- 
tertains. D’Estaing  and  Lafayette.  Mrs.  Holker.  Franklin  and  the 
ladies. 

October  20.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 57 

Toasts  at  the  dinner  to  the  French.  Superior  respect  for  general  and 
army.  Count  Pulaski. 

October  25.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  . 59 

Envious  spirit  abroad.  British  and  French  fleets.  Luxury  and  extrava- 
gance. Resignation  from  Navy  Board  and  reasons.  Captain  Brown’s 
wishes.  Money  wanted.  Repairs  to  the  French  fleet. 


Vlll 


Contents 


October  28.  James  Warren  to  the  President  of  Congress  . . 61 

Letter  of  resignation. 

November  5.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 63 

Advice  has  weight.  Introduces  Mr.  Temple. 

November  8.  Elbridge  Gerry  to  James  Warren 64 

Marine  Committee  and  Manley.  Increase  of  salary  of  Navy  Board. 
Speculators  and  folly. 

November  9.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 65 

His  letter  of  resignation.  Navy  Board’s  future.  Letter  to  be  suspended. 
Picture  of  Boston. 

November  23.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 67 

News  from  John  Adams.  Dissatisfaction  of  A.  Lee.  Public  corruption. 
Deane’s  statement. 

December  2.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 71 

Merit  of  modesty. 

December  5.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 73 

Ambition  and  avarice.  Lee,  Franklin  and  Deane.  Commercial  specu- 
lations. 

December  8.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 77 

Matters  of  money.  The  repairs  to  the  French  fleet. 

December  10.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 78 

Death  of  James  Otis. 

December  15.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  80 

Possible  loss  of  letters.  Expects  a narration  of  customs,  manners  and 
genius  of  nations.  Mr.  Warren  still  in  Navy  Board.  Death  of  Otis. 

December  16.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  ......  82 

Folly  and  wickedness  stalk  abroad.  Anniversary  celebration.  Dele- 
gates in  Congress. 

1779 

January  1.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 83 

Deane’s  letter.  Tends  to  less  public  confidence  in  Congress. 

January  19.  Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams 84 

On  death  of  father.  Her  visitor. 

February  12.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 86 

Is  promoting  the  cause  of  truth.  Deane’s  Address.  Court  in  session. 
Matters  of  the  Navy  Board.  Situation  of  the  ships.  Money. 


Contents 


IX 


February  25.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 89 

Deane’s  Address  and  its  effects  on  policy.  Currency  the  only  enemy. 
Remedy  simple.  Raging  delirium  and  corruption. 

February  28.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 91 

Great  opinion  of  Dana.  Is  an  old-fashioned  fellow.  Opposition  to  Wash- 
ington. The  Navy  Board. 

March  6.  Richard  Henry  Lee  to  James  Warren 94 

Is  thankful  for  the  Jesuits’  bark.  Deane  and  his  adherents. 

March  19.  Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams 94 

Muses  have  deserted  her.  John  Adams  honest.  Young  Abigail. 

March  30.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 96 

Ingenuity  of  politicians  exhausted  on  peace  proposals.  Danger  of  peace 
on  bad  terms.  Military  operations.  General  Gates. 

March  31.  George  Washington  to  James  Warren 97 

Business  has  prevented  his  writing.  Bad  effect  of  depreciation  of  cur- 
rency, stock-jobbing  and  party  discussions.  The  remedy.  Designs  of 


the  enemy. 

May  11.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 100 

His  health.  A vote  on  the  recall  of  Franklin. 

June  6.  James  Warren  to  Mercy  Warren 101 

Writes  to  a saint.  On  going  to  Congress.  Ships  coming  in. 

June  13.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 103 


Little  news  from  Europe.  Military  movements.  Increasing  the  army. 
Prices  and  extravagance.  A tax  voted.  Naval  affairs.  The  French  fleet 
in  the  West  Indies.  Hancock.  Party  ready  to  oust  him. 


June  15.  James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 107 

Depends  upon  the  virtuous  few.  Fisheries  in  the  treaty  of  peace.  The 
money  problems.  Disposition  made  for  John  Adams. 

July  13.  James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 109 

Question  of  the  fisheries  and  peace.  A communication  from  Gerard. 
Backwardness  to  serve  in  Congress.  Charleston. 

July  29.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 111 

Letters.  British  in  Carolina.  Sullivan’s  western  expedition  and  British 
ravaging.  Naval  matters  and  the  currency.  A constitution  to  be 
framed.  Elkanah  Watson. 

July  29.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 113 


Multitude  of  correspondents.  Spirit  of  party.  Death  of  John  Win- 
throp. 


X 


Contents 


August  6.  Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams 1 1 5 

Congratulations  on  a reunited  family.  Counts  upon  a visit. 

August  13.  James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 117 

A paper  in  circulation.  A French  letter  on  John  Adams.  Ought  not  to 
come  as  a delegate.  The  prospect  of  peace. 

September  [?].  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 119 

Very  little  intelligence  from  America.  A demagogue  and  band  of  specu- 
lators. Professor  Winthrop. 

September  11.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 120 

Judges  proposed.  Recommends  Richard  Cranch. 

December  — . James  Warren  to  James  Lovell 121 

Malevolence  of  an  attack  upon  him.  Dearth  of  foreign  news.  Massa- 
chusetts members  of  Congress. 

1780 

January  25.  Elbridge  Gerry  to  James  Warren 123 

Policy  of  America  rests  on  a navy.  Removal  of  Congress.  Economy 
and  resources.  Letter  on  “Appreciation.”  A new  Quartermaster  Gen- 
eral. 

February  23.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 125 

Names  of  French  vessels  for  America.  Arrival  of  Gerard,  Jay  and  Car- 
michael at  Cadiz.  British  debt. 

February  28.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 126 

Lafayette  going  to  Boston.  Spain  and  Ffolland. 

February  28.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 127 

The  Alexanders  and  Jonathan  Williams.  Americans  in  Paris.  Gellee’s 
letter.  Envy  and  treachery  surround  them.  Lord  Chesterfield’s  Letters. 

March  16.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 129 

Incidents  and  dangers  of  his  voyage.  Talk  about  him  in  England. 

March  18.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 130 

Introduces  Petry.  French  plans.  Rodney’s  fortune.  Hessians  and  the 
tree  of  Cracovie. 

April  2.  Mercy  Warren  to  James  Warren  . . 132 

Franklin’s  character.  Lee’s  pamphlet. 

June  23.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 133 

Loss  of  Charleston.  The  Gordon  riots. 


Contents 


XI 


July  ii.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 134 

Effect  of  the  capture  of  Charleston.  A success  for  our  arms.  Bowdoin 
and  Hancock  rival  candidates  for  governor.  Raynal’s  History. 

July  19.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 136 

Arrival  of  British  goods  and  politics  involved.  Matter  of  trade  permits. 

August  3.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 137 

Account  not  settled.  The  fleets  and  privateers. 

September  17.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 138 

Result  of  the  elections.  The  secretaryship. 

October  12.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 139 

Loss  of  letters.  Arnold’s  treason.  Situation  of  the  armies  and  fleets. 
Taxes  and  specie.  The  new  government.  Bowdoin.  The  Continental 
navy  and  Landais.  Delegates  to  Congress. 

October  30.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 142 

Good  disposition  of  Congress.  Detention  of  clothing  from  France.  Is 
charged  with  the  fault.  Franklin’s  recall.  Retreat  of  Cornwallis. 

November  2.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 144 

Elections  completed.  Boston’s  neglect  of  Adams.  The  elected  and 
Hancock. 

November  15.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 145 

Son  has  been  captured  by  British.  Recommends  him.  His  objects  in 
going  to  Europe.  Politics  in  Massachusetts.  Worship  of  Hancock. 

November  20.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 148 

The  tongue  of  malice.  Charge  against  him  is  untrue.  Avery  and  the 
secretaryship.  Cooper’s  conduct. 

November  22.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 150 

Governing  powers  in  Massachusetts.  Persons  marked  for  sacrifice. 
Vermont  and  Canada.  The  French  fleet. 

December  4.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 15 1 

Inattention  to  public  principles.  Convention  at  Hartford.  Washington 
as  dictator.  Supplies  for  the  army. 

December  5.  James  Lovell  to  James  Warren  153 

Naval  affairs  starved.  News  from  Spain. 

December  9.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 154 

Great  Britain  must  be  renounced  forever.  Policy  of  the  Dutch.  Ray- 
nal’s  History. 


Xll 


Contents 


December  9.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 156 

No  communication  with  England.  American  youth  in  Europe.  Has  a 
stronger  attachment  for  America. 

December  19.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 157 

Death  of  Admiral  Ternay.  Festivities  of  the  new  government. 

December  25.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 158 

John  Laurens  and  Dana.  Blodget’s  deposition  on  the  Alliance. 

December  28.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 159 

Anxiety  for  her  son.  Capture  of  Henry  Laurens.  Character  and  ambi- 
tion. Again  recommends  her  son. 


1781 

January  1.  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 161 

Sends  a letter  of  James  Sullivan  to  Hancock  and  a defence  of  Bowdoin 
for  publication. 

January  8.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 164 

Intercepted  letters.  Hutchinson’s  character. 

March  5.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 165 

Letters  from  Europe.  Situation  of  Henry  Laurens.  Morgan’s  success. 

June  15.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren  166 

Blodget’s  error.  A minister  for  foreign  affairs.  Influence  of  the  tories. 
Intrigues  at  the  court  of  France.  His  Massachusetts  lands. 

July  27.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 169 

Settlement  of  accounts.  Instructions  for  peace.  What  John  Adams 
should  do.  His  enemies  in  Congress.  Land  and  Morris. 


1782 

April  8.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 171 

Interest  on  state  votes.  Results  of  Deane’s  exposure.  The  fishery 
question.  Admission  of  Vermont. 

July  — . Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 172 

Patriotism  short  lived.  Peace  commission  named.  Instructions  bind 
them  to  France.  Behavior  of  Spain. 

July  2.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 174 


Practice  of  agriculture.  English  plans  and  peace  proposals.  Weakness 
of  the  present  ministry.  Rise  of  stocks. 


Contents  xiii 


August  19.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 176 

Holland  and  Spain.  Split  in  the  British  ministry.  Gibraltar,  peace  and 
problems  of  a peace. 

October  7.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 178 

Opinion  of  the  Dutch.  Politics  the  same  in  Europe  and  America.  Im- 
provements in  husbandry. 

October  24.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 179 

The  Dutch  negotiation.  Must  be  treated  in  her  history.  America  not 
behind  Europe  in  political  system.  Her  son. 

November  1.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 181 

The  Dutch  treaty.  Jay  and  Spain.  British  cabinet  and  loyalists. 

State  officers. 

December  12.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 184 

Despatches  from  France  given  to  Morris.  Manners  of  the  place  de- 
scribed. Preliminary  articles  of  peace  and  France.  Conduct  of  John 
Adams  and  Jay.  Franklin’s  envy. 

December  15.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 186 

Sends  the  preliminary  treaty  of  peace  with  Great  Britain.  Sweden  in- 
vites an  alliance.  Owe  it  to  Providence.  The  union  of  the  states. 

1783 

January  29.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  . 188 

Her  annals  and  the  Dutch  negotiation.  General  Warren  for  Congress. 
Results  of  peace.  Treaty  of  commerce  with  Great  Britain. 

February  19.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 190 

His  Massachusetts  lands.  Peace.  Quotas  of  states  and  the  Confedera- 
tion. 

March  20.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 190 

Peace  and  a commercial  treaty  with  Great  Britain.  Influence  at  work. 
Balance  of  power  in  Europe  and  instructions  from  Congress.  Mis- 
takes in  foreign  affairs. 

March  21.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 194 

Condition  of  affairs  in  England.  A treaty  of  commerce.  Shelburne 
and  Vergennes.  Baron  Breteuil.  Policy  of  Vergennes  analysed.  Amer- 
ica should  be  an  asylum. 

April  5.  Benjamin  Lincoln  to  James  Warren  . 200 

Apportioning  the  debts  of  the  United  States.  Provisions  of  the  Con- 
federation. Blacks  in  the  South.  Valuation  of  lands  and  buildings. 


XIV 


Contents 


April  9.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 205 

Instructions  from  Congress.  Emigrants  from  Europe.  His  resignation 
and  health.  Wishes  to  return.  Will  not  be  loved  in  London. 

April  12.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 207 

The  treaty  in  Congress.  Approaches  made  by  European  nations.  His 
son. 

April  13.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 208 

Dr.  Franklin  and  his  character. 

April  16.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 213 

At  peace,  but  not  out  of  danger.  Foreign  officers  and  Congress.  Lafay- 
ette. 

May  4.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 215 

Congratulations  on  his  negotiations.  Cannot  retire  from  public  service. 
Wishes  to  hear  from  him. 

June  24.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 217 

Reception  given  to  the  peace.  Commercial  treaty  with  Great  Britain. 
Tories  under  the  treaty.  Domestic  politics. 

August  13.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 220 

A consular  appointment.  His  land.  Dana  at  St.  Petersburg. 

September  10.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 221 

His  new  appointment.  Trade  with  the  West  Indies.  Dana’s  return. 
Further  treaties.  Death  of  James  Otis. 

September  10.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 223 

Wishes  to  retire.  Pomp  and  parade  without  effect  on  him.  Death  of 
Otis. 

September  17.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 224 

Motion  on  soldiers’  clothing. 

October  16.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 226 

Consular  offices.  Strictures  on  the  Philadelphia  Address. 

October  27.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 229 

Politics  of  European  courts.  What  Congress  is  doing.  Franklin.  Trade 
and  immigration. 

November  15.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams  .......  233 

Residence  of  Congress.  Abuse  of  John  Temple. 

November  26.  Jabez  Bowen  to  James  Warren 234 

The  proposed  impost  measure.  Favors  the  Confederation. 


Contents 


XV 


1784 

February  26.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 235 

Hancock’s  conduct.  Delegation  in  the  Congress.  Deaths.  Penobscot 
and  the  Cincinnati. 

June  1.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 238 

Mrs.  Adams  goes  to  Europe.  Dependence  not  pleasing  to  American 
ears. 

June  30.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 240 

Young  Warren.  Jay  minister  of  foreign  affairs. 

August  8.  Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 241 

Introductions.  An  Indian  treaty. 

September  5.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  242 

Manners  of  the  Parisians.  Pleasure  the  business  of  life.  Prostitution. 

The  theatre  compared  with  the  English.  Etiquette  of  visits.  Auteuil. 
Family  gossip.  War  impends. 

1785 

January  28.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 248 

R.  Morris  and  reduced  salaries.  Congress  well  disposed.  Imbecility  and 
subserviency.  Usury.  Hancock  resigns. 

April  26.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren  250 

The  Massachusetts  elections.  John  Temple  comes  to  America.  Return 
of  John  Quincy  Adams.  Resignation  of  Dr.  Franklin. 

April  27.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 252 

Restrictions  on  commerce  and  avidity  for  pleasure.  His  wish  for 
retirement.  Hancock’s  resignation.  Mrs.  Macaulay.  Mr.  Warren  a 
friend. 

May  6.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 255 

Minister  to  Great  Britain.  Requirements.  His  own  qualities.  Warren, 

Dana  and  Gerry. 

June  9.  Martha  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 257 

Mrs.  Macaulay  Graham.  Friendship  between  Washington  and  Warren. 

July  15.  Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren  . .257 

Remembrances  of  Milton.  Young  Warren’s  return  from  Spain.  Would 
live  in  Boston.  Mrs.  Washington’s  letter. 


XVI 


Contents 


September  — . Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 259 

Adams,  as  minister,  foretold.  Envy.  Warren  in  retirement.  Dana  and 
Gerry.  Ambitions  of  her  son. 

September  4.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 262 

Adams’  new  employment.  Local  elections.  Temple’s  position.  Frank- 
lin’s resignation.  Young  Adams.  Scarcity  of  money. 

October  4.  James  Warren  to  Elbridge  Gerry 264 

His  time  to  leave  Congress.  Consuls  and  Winslow  Warren.  Hancock’s 
gout.  A disagreeable  accountant. 

October  6.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 266 

A favor  for  his  son. 

October  9.  James  Warren  to  Elbridge  Gerry 267 

His  son’s  wish  to  be  consul. 

December  12.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 268 

A story  of  Gibraltar.  Existence  at  Braintree.  Afflictions  of  America. 
Stanhope’s  letters. 

1786 

March  6.  Nathaniel  Gorham  to  James  Warren 269 

Settling  the  public  accounts.  Representation  in  Congress.  The  impost. 
Congress  and  commerce. 

April  30.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams  271 

Winslow’s  return.  The  Barbary  pirates.  The  trade  in  fish.  Oil  in  the 
French  market.  Situation  at  home.  Books  wanted. 

May  24.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 273 

Consolation  for  the  death  of  her  son.  Mr.  Adams’  position. 

May  24.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 275 

His  situation.  A profession  better  than  politics.  Warren  and  public  life. 

July  4.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 276 

The  Algerine  losses.  Oil.  Pictured  ruin  of  the  country.  Sends  books. 
Marriage  of  his  daughter.  Confidence  wanted. 

October  22.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams 278 

Anarchy  and  confusion  bordering  on  a civil  war.  Situation  in  the 
counties. 

1787 

January  9.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 280 

Change  of  manners  and  principles.  Some  disquisitions  on  govern- 
ment. His  own  task. 


Contents  xvil 

February  26.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 282 

Opinion  on  her  history.  Governor  Hutchinson. 

March  6.  Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren  . 283 
Governments  of  America.  Adams’  work  on  the  constitutions.  A treaty 
with  France.  Personal  matters. 

March  12.  Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warrf.n  . . 285 

Commends  Henry  Warren. 

May  2.  Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox 285 

Relief  for  her  son. 

May  14.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 287 

Montague  on  Shakespeare.  London  manners  unfriendly  to  easy 
social  intercourse.  Mrs.  Fitzherbert.  Henry  Warren’s  service.  Has  a 
grandson.  Occupation  of  Mr.  Adams. 

May  18.  James  Warren  to  John  Adams  291 

Views  on  politics  and  government.  Proposal  to  annihilate  the  Senate. 

The  rebellion.  Choice  of  Hancock.  Will  stand1  for  the  town  of  Milton. 

May  30.  Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 294 

Reflections  on  politics.  Monstrous  system  of  the  state  governments. 
Remedy  offered  by  the  convention.  Formation  of  a constitution. 

August  21.  Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 297 

Good  promise  of  the  convention.  Personal  loss. 

November  — . Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy 

Warren 298 

Awaits  deliberations  of  the  convention.  Grounded  on  simple  demo- 
cracy. Mrs.  Russell.  Marriage  of  her  daughter. 

December  25.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 300 

The  Sack  of  Rome.  American  books  in  London. 

1788 

March  — . Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren  . 301 
Death  of  Mrs.  Russell.  The  convention’s  results.  Trial  of  Warren 
Hastings. 

August  26.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 303 

The  constitution  in  North  Carolina. 

October  29.  Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren  . 303 
The  national  government.  Mr.  Adams’  return  to  America.  Brave 
stand  of  the  Turks. 


xviii  Contents 


1789 

March  2.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 305 

Rest  in  retreat.  Obedience  of  the  people. 

March  9.  Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox  306 

Would  like  to  see  the  Federal  City.  Wishes  for  Washington. 

March  29.  Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 307 

The  new  administration.  Not  yet  fully  organized. 

April  2.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  308 

Widow  of  Colonel  Walker.  Calumnies  against  General  Warren.  Wishes 
for  his  happiness. 

May  7.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  310 

Persecution  of  General  Warren.  Attacks  upon  the  son.  Influence  at 
work  in  the  insurgents. 

May  29.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 313 

Unpopularity  of  General  Warren.  Has  no  patronage.  Incendiaries  in 
Massachusetts.  President  is  source  of  honor. 

June  18.  Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox 315 

Offices  for  Henry  and  Winslow  Warren.  Washington. 

July  9.  Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 316 

Henry  Warren’s  wish  for  an  appointment.  The  president  and  candi- 
dates. No  appointments  in  the  military  establishment. 

1790 

March  25.  Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Mercy  Warren 317 

Her  proposed  History.  Proffers  assistance. 

June  4.  George  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 318 

Accepts  the  dedication  of  her  Poems. 

June  12.  Martha  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 319 

Severe  illness  of  the  President.  Her  grandchildren.  Hopes  to  get  to 
Mt.  Vernon. 

July  13.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 320 

Subscriptions  to  her  book.  Death  of  Madam  Winthrop.  Hancock’s 
disorder. 

September  21.  Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Mercy  Warren  ....  321 
Return  of  her  son  Henry.  Siege  of  Charleston. 

September  24.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 323 

Sends  her  Poems. 


Contents 


XIX 


September  24.  Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox 323 

Presents  her  volume  of  Poems. 

November  4.  George  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren  . . .323 

Acknowledges  the  gift  of  her  Poems. 

December  26.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  ......  324 

On  her  Poems. 

1791 

January  14.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 325 

An  unsealed  letter.  Her  volumes. 

July  1.  Alexander  Hamilton  to  Mercy  Warren 326 

Acknowledges  her  volume. 

August  3.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 327 

Gibbons  History.  Mrs.  Macaulay’s  reply  to  Burke. 

1792 

January  12.  Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren  327 

Condolence  for  death  of  her  son  George. 

March  4.  Mrs.  J.  Sargent  Murray  to  Mercy  Warren  . . .328 

Sends  proposals. 

April  20.  Jabez  Bowen  to  Mercy  Warren  329 

Family  matters. 

1797 

February  20.  John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 330 

Information  from  the  South.  Mr.  Jefferson.  News  from  abroad. 

March  4.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 332 

Congratulations  and  reflections. 

October  1.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  333 

Death  of  her  mother.  A carriage  accident.  About  to  leave  Quincy. 
Pestilence. 

1798 

March  15.  Harrison  Gray  Otis  to  Mercy  Warren  ....  334 
His  health.  European  relations. 


XX 


Contents 


April  25.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  336 

Contest  with  France.  Demand  for  a contribution.  The  nation  being 
aroused.  Good  sense  of  the  people.  Message  from  the  president. 

June  17.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 339 

French  oppression.  Address  and  reply.  The  envoys  in  France.  Sup- 
port of  the  president. 

1799 

October  5.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 341 

Abbe  Barruel’s  book. 

1803 

January  16.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 342 

Pleasure  in  seeing  her  writing.  A visit  from  her  son.  Times  have 
changed.  Flealth. 

August  28.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 344 

Mrs.  Adams’  health. 

August  30.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 344 

Mrs.  Adams’  health. 

1805 

February  8.  Thomas  Jefferson  to  Mercy  Warren 345 

Subscriptions  to  her  History. 

June  1.  Mrs.  J.  Sargent  Murray  to  Mercy  Warren  ....  346 
Her  subscription  paper. 

November  25.  John  Dickinson  to  Mercy  Warren 347 

Relations  with  James  Otis. 

1806 

April  26.  Thomas  Jefferson  to  Mercy  Warren 347 

Has  received  her  History. 

December  22.  John  Dickinson  to  Mercy  Warren 348 

His  health.  Great  changes  in  prospect.  Her  History. 

1807 

February  4.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 350 

Comments  on  her  History.  On  war  and  retaliation. 


Contents 


XXI 


March  9.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 352 

Her  health.  Counting  years  by  revolutions.  John  Adams  on  Napoleon. 
Aaron  Burr.  Young  Smith’s  Quixotism.  Mrs.  Lincoln’s  death. 

March  11.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 355 

Bernard’s  titles.  Death  of  Mrs.  Ware. 

1808 

May  3.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren  356 

Promise  of  a visit.  The  embargo  and  politics. 

October  1.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 357 

His  book  and  her  criticisms.  The  new  order  of  things.  Sir  William 
Jones’  poems.  The  passion  flower. 

November  28.  Samuel  Latham  Mitchell  to  Mercy  Warren  . 359 
Her  History  for  the  Library  of  Congress. 

December  11.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 359 

Death  of  General  Warren.  His  character. 

1809 

February  4.  Harrison  Gray  Otis  to  Mercy  Warren  ....  361 
Refuses  to  discuss  politics. 

September  4.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 363 

Consecration  to  religious  uses.  The  passion  flower.  His  brother’s 
catalogue. 

November  12.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 364 

Dickinson’s  works.  Generous  living.  His  tracts  on  prophecies. 

1810 

July  25.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren . 365 

His  view  of  prophecy.  Its  consummation.  Need  of  a universal  govern- 
ment. 

November  11.  James  Winthrop  to  James  Warren 367 

Great  Britain,  France  and  the  neutrals. 

December  14.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 368 

Mr.  Baldwin’s  books.  The  newspapers  of  Boston.  Is  studying  the 
Russian  language. 


XXII 


Contents 


1812 

February  8.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 370 

Mr.  Judson’s  missionary  project.  Christianity  in  Asia. 

December  13.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 371 

Old  governments  of  Europe  should  be  extirpated.  Burning  of  Moscow. 

December  17.  Elbridge  Gerry  to  Mercy  Warren 373 

Re-election  of  Madison.  John  Adams  and  a reconciliation  of  differ- 
ences. 


1813 

February  28.  James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 375 

Napoleon’s  commission  and  Antichrist.  Failure  of  the  missionaries 
in  India.  A remedy  for  a disease. 

April  9.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 377 

Events  taking  place  in  the  world.  Liberty  and  abuse. 

April  17.  John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 378 

Mrs.  Warren  on  the  continental  navy.  Omission  to  describe  the  im- 
portance of  the  first  steps.  History  not  the  province  of  ladies. 

April  26.  John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 380 

Writing  the  history  of  the  Revolution.  Controversy  with  Governor 
Hutchinson.  Deaths  of  his  contemporaries.  Dr.  Rush. 

June  20.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 382 

Warlike  state  of  nations.  The  remonstrance  of  the  General  Court  of 
Massachusetts. 

July  11.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 383 

John  Quincy  Adams  in  Russia.  Party  violence.  Her  daughter  Smith. 

September  5.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 385 

Death  of  Abigail  Adams  Smith.  Family  news. 

September  12.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 386 

McKean’s  letter  on  Otis.  Dialogue  of  the  Dead. 

November  24.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 388 

Dialogue  of  the  Dead.  Entire  separation  between  America  and  Europe. 

December  22.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  ......  388 

Family  visits.  Recollections  of  the  past.  A superintending  Providence. 


Contents  x*iii 


1814 

March  31.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 390 

Pleasure  given  by  his  letters.  John  Quincy  Adams.  Balm  of  sympathy. 
Madame  de  Stael. 

May  5.  Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 392 

Death  of  Samuel  Alleyne  Otis. 

July  4.  John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 393 

Memories  of  the  past. 

July  10.  Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams 394 

Decline  of  her  health.  Would  like  to  hear  his  observations  on  events. 

The  Group  and  its  origin.  Modern  generation  neglectful  of  history. 

August  17.  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 396 

Authorship  of  the  Group.  The  Tories.  Peace  in  Europe. 

Appendix 

1772 

November  8.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 399 

Spirit  of  Boston.  Plymouth  will  follow  his  direction. 

November  17.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 400 

Petition  of  Plymouth. 

December  8.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 401 

Action  of  towns  in  Plymouth  County.  The  Hingham  letter.  Marble- 
head and  Roxbury. 

1773 

October  11.  To  Mr.  Adams.  Poem  by  Mrs.  Warren  ....  402 

December  17.  John  Adams  to  James  Warren 403 

Destruction  of  tea  in  Boston  harbor.  Want  of  wisdom  in  the  rulers. 
Probable  effects. 

1774 

July  1.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 405 

Warning  against  danger. 

July  10.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 405 

Plymouth  town-meeting.  Edward  Winslow.  Addresses  to  the  gov- 
ernor. Action  of  the  judges. 


XXIV 


Contents 


1775 

January  1.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 407 

Sloop  with  provisions  for  Boston  cast  away.  The  Tories. 

January  20.  James  Warren  to  Harrison  Gray 408 

Cannot  be  intimidated.  Is  not  able  to  pay  his  demand. 

April-May.  Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 409 

The  day  of  Lexington  and  their  flight.  Milton  quoted.  Andover 
described. 

June  21.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 412 

Action  at  Charlestown  and  Bunker  Hill.  Congress  and  jealousy. 
Appointments. 

July  9.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 414 

Washington  and  his  family.  Thomas’s  character.  Another  action 
expected. 

July  20.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 415 

Great  expectations.  The  new  Assembly.  Elections  by  towns.  Humors 
and  caprice  of  the  army.  The  fast. 

July  27.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 416 

Warns  against  Governor  Tryon.  The  army  and  Assembly. 

August  4.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 417 

Good  state  of  the  army.  Situation  in  Boston.  Captures  of  tenders.  His 
son. 

September  28.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 419 

Adams’  horsemanship.  Arnold  and  Canada.  Machias  and  captured 
vessels.  Money  wanted. 

October  2.  James  Warren  to  — — ■ 420 

Operations  around  Boston.  Supply  vessels  taken.  Arnold  and  reported 
aid  from  Europe. 

October  23.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 422 

Neither  side  can  attack.  Probability  of  success.  Committee  to  the 
Congress.  Letter  of  resignation  from  Dr.  Church. 

October  26.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 424 

Change  of  measures  in  Great  Britain.  Dr.  Church’s  letter  and  examina- 
tion. 

November  12.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  ......  425 

Reinforcements  for  Boston.  Expulsion  of  inhabitants.  New  modelling 
of  the  army.  Dis  pute  over  appointment  of  officers. 


Contents 


XXV 


December  5.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 427 

Narrow  spirit  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  Arnold  a genius.  Suc- 
cess of  the  privateers.  Barbarity  of  the  British. 

December  19.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 429 

Matters  engaging  their  attention.  On  shipping  fish  to  Spain.  Delegates 
to  Congress.  Trade  restrictions. 

1776 

January  14.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 430 

Military  operations  and  state  of  the  army.  Business  of  the  General 
Court.  Militia  bill.  A fixed  constitution.  News. 

January  31.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 433 

Manley’s  exploit.  The  militia  coming  in.  Lovell’s  exchange. 

February  14.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 434 

“Common  Sense.”  Want  of  powder  prevents  action.  Officers  of  the 
militia. 

February  28.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 436 

Letter  from  London. 

May  2.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 436 

Independence  and  arming  of  vessels.  Operations  around  Boston. 
Politicians  in  the  General  Court.  Paymaster  for  the  Eastern  Depart- 
ment. 

August  15.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 438 

Privateering.  Exchange  of  prisoners.  His  health. 

October  24.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  .......  439 

Engagement  of  the  militia.  The  privateers.  Naval  operations  dis- 
couraged. 

November  18.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 440 

The  Court  again  in  Boston.  A Board  of  War  and  a large  grant.  Report 
of  Howe’s  embarkation. 

December  29.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 441 

Lethargy  and  want  of  principle  prevail.  Indecision  of  Congress.  Fool- 
ish lenity  to  enemies.  Capture  of  General  Lee.  Firmness  wanted  in 
the  councils. 

1 777 

February  2.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 444 

Success  of  the  army.  Great  expectations  of  Congress.  Pensions  and 
sinecures.  Bounties  to  recruits. 


XXVI 


Contents 


February  24.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 446 

Bounties  voted  by  the  Court.  Is  dismissed  from  the  Board  of  War. 

April  2.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 448 

Lottery,  loan  office  and  privateers.  Matters  before  the  Court.  The 
losses  of  Mr.  Temple. 

June  16.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  449 

Regulating  act  and  its  influence  on  the  army.  Prizes. 

August  7.  James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 450 

The  Northern  army  and  St.  Clair’s  retreat.  Want  of  confidence  in 
the  commanders. 

November  11.  Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren  ....  451 


Arrival  of  the  convention  troops  in  Boston.  Description  of  officers  and 
men.  Burgoyne  and  his  opinions.  General  Phillips  on  the  country. 


Warren -Adams  Letters 
1778-1814 


Warren-Adams  Letters 


Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  Jan.  2d,  1778 

My  Dear  Friend,  — Great  Advantages  are  often  Attended 
with  Great  Inconveniences,  and  Great  Minds  Called  to  severe 
tryals.  If  your  Dearest  Friend  had  not  Abilities  to  Render  such 
important  services  to  his  Country,  he  would  not  be  Called  to  the 
self  Denying  task  of  Leaving  for  a time  His  Beloved  Wife  and 
Little  pratling  Brood.  Therefore  while  I Weep  with  my  Friend 
the  painful  absence,  I Congratulate  her  that  she  is  so  Nearly  Con- 
nected with  a Gentleman  whose  Learning,  patriotism  and  pru- 
dence qualify  Him  to  Negotiate  at  Foreign  Courts  the  affairs  of 
America  at  this  Very  Critical  period. 

I think  I know  your  public  spirit  and  Fortitude  to  be  such  that 
you  will  Throw  no  Impediment  in  his  way.  Why  should  you? 
You  are  yet  young,  and  may  sit  down  together  many  years  in 
peace  after  He  has  finished  the  Work  to  his  own  Honor  to  the 
satisfaction  of  his  Constituents  and  to  the  Approbation  of  his 
Conscience.  You  cannot,  my  Dear,  avoid  anticipating  the  Ad- 
vantages that  will  probably  Redound  from  this  Honorable  Em- 
bassy to  your  self  to  your  Children  and  your  Country.  But  while 
I wish  to  say  some  what  to  support  your  Resolution  and  spirits 
Methinks  something  Wispers  me  within  that  you  will  justly  say 
that  we  are  very  Ready  to  Give  advice  when  we  but  Illy  practice 
upon  the  principles  we  lay  down.  True  — but  we  may  profit  by 
the  advice  though  we  despise  the  Weakness  of  the  Adviser.  Yet 
I have  not  so  111  an  opinion  of  myself  as  to  think  were  I just  in 
your  situation  I should  not  strive  for  the  Exertion  of  a Little 
Heroism  upon  such  an  occasion. 


2 


JVarren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1778 


I was  in  hopes  we  should  have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  Mr. 
Adams  at  Plimouth  before  he  left  America.  I should  be  very 
happy  to  see  you  together  by  my  fire  side  if  it  was  but  for  one  day 
before  he  Crosses  the  Atlantic;  but  if  that  cannot  be  my  best 
Wishes  await  him.  Assure  him  that  my  Fervant  prayer  is  that  he 
May  Experience  the  peculiar  protection  of  providence  through 
Every  stage  of  his  useful  Life. 

But  I think  before  we  part  I Must  desire  him  to  Look  into  a 
Letter  from  Marcia  Dated  March,  1 776  (if  he  has  not  Destroyed 
it),  which  will  Remind  him  of  a Certain  Bargain  which  I Expect  he 
will  fulfill.  His  Excuse  was  once  that  he  should  Never  be  Called  to 
the  Different  Courts  of  Europe.  But  I have  seen  Events  so  pre- 
cipitated, and  the  Wheels  of  Revolution  so  Rapidly  Move  on, 
that  I have  Expected  it  for  several  years.  And  if  I am  Notwith- 
standing His  Vast  Avocations  Gratifyed  with  one  Letter  from  the 
Court  of  France,  however  high  I May  Esteem  the  Indulgence,  I 
shall  not  be  More  pleased  with  the  Honour  done  me  by  the 
Embassadour  of  America  than  obliged  by  this  Mark  of  Friendship 
from  Mr.  Adams. 

One  thing  More  I Must  beg  you  to  assure  him  that  if  it  is  pos- 
sible for  me  or  mine  to  do  anything  to  Lessen  the  Inconvenience 
or  pain  of  absence  that  His  portia  or  Her  Children  May  suffer,  He 
may  Depend  upon  the  Ready  aid  of  His  and  your  very  Affection- 
ate Friend 

Marcia  Warren 


Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Jan.  8th,  1778 

In  your  late  hasty  lines  you  ask  three  questions,  Viz.,  what  I 
think  of  a Certain  appointment,  what  you  ought  to  do,  and  what  I 
would  do.  To  the  first  I answer  I think  the  Appointment  most 
Judicious,  and  though  we  want  his  services  hear  I think  the  Stat 
Holder  the  best  qualifyed  of  any  man  on  the  Continent  to  Repre- 
sent the  united  states  of  America.  By  his  penetrating  Genius  he 
May  see  through  and  Defeat  the  tricks  of  old  statesmen  and 


1778] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


3 


Courtiers,  at  the  same  time  He  Guards  against  the  Imbecility  and 
Wickedness  of  more  Modern  politicians. 

To  the  second  I reply  you  must  be  too  sensible  of  the  path  that 
duty  points  out  and  the  part  you  ought  to  act  to  stand  in  Need  of 
the  premonitions  of  Friendship.  To  your  3d  question,  I have  too 
Great  a Regard  to  my  own  Character  to  [say]  Frankly  No,  yet 
am  too  suspicious  of  my  own  Heart  positively  to  say  yes.  There- 
fore must  Leave  it  a little  problematical  till  further  Examination 
and  tryal. 

I had  some  secret  hopes  that  a Certain  Embarkation  would 
have  been  made  from  plimouth,  but  if  there  is  a better  place  Layed 
you  will  with  my  best  Regards  bid  your  Friend  Adieu  in  my  Name, 
and  suffer  me  to  accompany  your  Every  Good  wish  for  his  safety, 
success  and  happy  Return. 

I am  sorry  I cannot  supply  you  with  the  little  Articles  you  wrote 
for,  but  I lend  out  of  my  own  store  J oz.  of  different  threads,  just  to 
keep  you  at  Work  till  Either  you  or  myself  can  get  a larger  supply. 

My  son  has  no  Cambrick.  But  there  is  a Frenchman  here  with 
whom  I should  have  traded  for  you,  but  he  cannot  yet  Give  me 
his  price,  and  I dare  not  purchase  at  a Venture,  as  he  seems  fully 
acquainted  with  the  spirit  of  the  Country,  and  knows  no  bounds  to 
his  Demands.  If  you  will  limit  me  I will  follow  your  Directions 
and  purchase  whatever  you  want.  He  has  a Great  Variety  of  those 
Luxuries  we  have  been  Fond  off. 

This  European  Commerce  is  attended  with  some  Inconvenien- 
cies,  for  though  we  want  their  Cloathing,  Warlike  stores,  etc.,  etc., 
they  throw  in  upon  us  such  an  Innundation,  useless  Baubles  that 
the  Wealthy  may  purchase  and  the  poorer  Will,  that  I fear  their 
will  be  little  of  that  Frugality  and  Oeconomy  so  Necessary  to 
support  the  Increasing  public  Burdens. 

12  Jan.  Since  the  Above  was  wrote  I have  been  trying  to  trade 
with  Monsieur,  but  find  it  will  not  do  for  Either  of  us.  I cannot 
Get  a bit  of  Cambrick  fit  for  your  use  under  £9  per  yd.  Threads 
he  has  in  plenty  at  1/  per  scain.  I therefore  send  10  scains  of  a 
sort  from  my  little  stock  till  you  can  do  better.  With  Great  sin- 
cerity subscribe  your  Friend  Marcia  Warren 


4 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


[1778 


Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Feb.  4,  1778 

Methinks  I hear  Mrs  Warren  wondring  how  they  do  at  head 
Quarters  at  Cambridge.  Perhaps  her  wonder  may  encrease  when 
I tell  her  the  British  Officers  live  in  the  most  Luxurious  manner 
Possible,  rioting  on  the  Fat  of  the  Land,  Stalking  at  Large  with 
the  Self-importance  of  Lords  of  the  Soil.  G[enera]l  B[urgoy]n  has 
been  allowed  a Court  Martial  on  a Continental  Col[one]l  for  doing 
his  duty  in  preventing  an  insurrection  of  British  Troops.1  at  which 
Court  B n took  upon  himself  to  Preside,  interrogating  and  aim- 

ing to  intimedate  the  Witnesses  on  our  part,  encouraging  those  on 
his  own,  displaying  his  Parliamentary  Eloquence,  Spouting  forth 
his  Contempt  of  Americans,  Sometimes  in  insidious  Ironical  Com- 
pliments, at  others  by  open  direct  abuse  insulting  and  painting  in 
the  Blackest  Colors  Coll.  Henly,  whom  he  often  Calld  Criminal 
at  the  Bar.  This  Scene  has  Continued  almost  three  weeks  and  the 
Court  Sitting  Tame  hearers.  I hope  the  Public  will  be  favord 
with  the  whole  of  this  Tryal,2  if  not  prevented  by  the  interruption 
of  an  important  Order  just  arrivd,  to  declare  them  all  Prisoners  of 

War.  O amazing  reverse  of  Circumstances!  an  Epithet  G 1 

B n constrained  G 1 Glover  (who  applied  it  to  him  on  the 

Tryal)  with  the  haughtiness  of  an  Emperor  of  the  whole  world  to 
retract  and  to  confess  it  an  inadvertant  Slip  and  to  call  him  only  a 
Prisoner  of  Convention.  What  will  be  the  Consequence  of  this 
Manuvre  time  must  tell. 

I enclose  you  a Letter  which  I think  will  entertain  you  if  new  to 
you.  Forgive  the  bad  writing.  Please  to  return  it  with  your 
comments  For  my  time  in  Copying  it  I think  I may  with  some 
degree  of  asurance  ask  to  peep  into  your  Cabinet  and  be  Favord 
with  some  of  your  entertaining  Manuscripts. 

Pray  accept  of  much  affection  from  your  ever  Sincere 

[iVo  signature .] 

P.S  Pray  excuse  an  erasement.  I was  just  now  askd  by  a by- 

1 David  Henley  to  William  Heath,  January  8,  1778,  in  7 Mass.  Hist.  Collections,  iv. 
201.  Henley  was  acquitted. 

2 The  Proceedings  of  the  court  martial  were  printed  both  in  Boston  and  London. 


1778] 


JVarren  - Adams  Letters 


5 


stander  if  I did  not  think  my  Scrips  would  make  a pretty  Figure 
in  one  of  Gains  N.  York  papers  as  Letters  are  often  intercepted, 
the  bad  writing  must  be  my  Signature  in  Future. 

P.S  Upon  further  inquiry  I find  the  order  I mentioned  not  to 
be  the  declaring  the  British  Prisoners  of  War,  as  was  at  first 
represented,  But  detaining  them  here  Till  the  British  King  or 
Parliament  Ratify  the  Convention.1  Don’t  you  think  the  Con- 
tinuance of  these  Cormorants  will  bring  us  into  difficulty. 

I sincerely  hope  the  Sequel  of  this  Court  Martial  will  Lower  the 
Crest  of  some  of  these  high  plumed  officers. 


Martha  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 

Valley  Forge,  March  the  7th,  1778 

Dear  Madame,  — I am  now  to  thank  you  for  the  two  very  kind 
Letters  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  favor  me  with,  the  one 
written  some  time  last  summer,  and  the  other  by  Mr.  Bowdoin. 
It  gave  me  a peculiar  pleasure  to  hear  by  that  Gentleman  that 
you  and  Genl.  Warren  enjoyd  good  health.  And  this  pleasure 
was  not  a little  increased  by  hearing  from  yourself  that  you  are  so 
very  happy  in  your  state  — no  traces  of  the  enemy  being  left; 
but  on  the  other  hand,  plenty  of  everything  useful  and  necessary 
to  be  procured,  indeed  I think  providence  was  very  bountifull  in 
her  goodness  to  your  state;  even  when  the  enemy  was  in  it,  we 
found  there  every  article  in  plenty,  and  full  sufficient  for  the  use 
of  the  army,  in  Virginia  we  have  had  no  British  troops  since  the 
cruel  Dunmore  left  us,  but  how  soon  we  shall,  is  not  at  this  time 
known.  I hope,  and  trust,  that  all  the  states  will  make  a vigorous 
push  early  this  spring,  if  every  thing  can  be  prepared  for  it,  and 
thereby  putting  a stop  to  British  cruelties,  and  afford  us  that 
pease  liberty  and  happyness  which  we  have  so  long  contended 
for. 


1 Congress  on  January  8,  1778,  resolved,  “That  the  embarkation  of  Lieutenant  General 
Burgoyne,  and  the  troops  under  his  command,  be  suspended  till  a distinct  and  explicit 
ratification  of  the  convention  of  Saratoga  shall  be  properly  notified  by  the  Court  of  Great 
Britain  to  Congress.”  Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  x.  35. 


6 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1778 


It  has  given  me  unspeakable  pleasure  to  hear  that  Genl.  Bur- 
goyne  and  his  army  are  in  safe  quarters  in  your  state,  would 
bountifull  providence  aim  a like  stroke  at  Genl.  Howe,  the  mea- 
sure of  my  happyness  would  be  compleat. 

I came  to  this  place  some  time  about  the  first  of  February, 
where  I found  the  General  very  well.  I left  my  children  at  our 
House.  Mrs.  Custis  1 has  lately  had  a fine  girl,2  which  makes  the 
second  since  she  left  Cambridge,  she  is  so  much  confined  with  her 
children,  that  she  stays  altogether  with  them. 

I left  Mr.  Bowdoin  in  Alexandria,  he  was  a good  deal  distressed 
on  account  of  Mr.  Pliarne,3  a french  gentleman,  his  partener  who 
was  by  accident  drowned  crossing  the  Potomack  river:  his  Body 
was  not  found  when  I left  home;  his  behaviour  and  agreeable 
manners,  rendered  him  a favourite  with  all  that  knew  him,  and 
caused  his  death  to  be  much  lamented. 

The  General  is  incamped  in  what  is  called  the  great  valley  on  the 
Banks  of  the  Schuylkill,  officers  and  men  are  chiefly  in  Hutts, 
which  they  say  is  tolarable  comfortable;  the  army  are  as  healthy 
as  can  well  be  expected  in  general.  The  General’s  appartment  is 
very  small  he  has  had  a log  cabbin  built  to  dine  in  which  has  made 
our  quarters  much  more  tolarable  than  they  were  at  first. 

It  would  give  me  pleasure  to  deliver  your  compliments  to  Mrs. 
Gates,4  but  she  lives  at  so  great  a distance  from  me  that  I have 
not  seen  her  since  we  parted  at  New  York  two  years  ago.  The 
General  joins  me  in  offering  our  respectful  compliments  to  Genl. 
Warren  and  yourself. 

I am  dr  madam  with  esteem  your  affectionate  Friend  and  very 
Hble  servt. 

Martha  Washington 


1 Eleanor  Calvert,  wife  of  John  Parke  Custis. 

2 Martha  Parke  Custis,  born  December  I,  1777,  married  Thomas  Peter. 

3 Emanuel  de  Pliarne  had  come  from  France  in  1775,  with  Pierre  Penet  to  enter  into 
contracts  with  the  Continental  Congress  for  arms  and  munitions. 

4 Mary  (Valence)  Gates. 


1778] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


7 


Mercy  Warren  to  James  Warren 

Plimouth,  March  io,  1778 

My  dearest  friend,  — I am  not  out  of  spirits.  Your  Henry 
says  I am  not,  and  there  is  nothing  he  observes  more  or  more 
ardently  wishes  than  to  support  the  spirits  of  his  mamah.  I hope 
this  filial  principle  in  him  will  ever  coincide  with  the  virtuous  dis- 
position heaven  has  bestowed  to  prevent  his  deviation  from  that 
line  of  conduct  which  can  alone  make  him  happy. 

But  we  have  here  the  most  disagreeable  reports.  Faith,  forti- 
tude and  courage  are  necessary  to  bear  us  up  amidst  the  train  of 
public  evils  even  if  the  body  was  in  health  and  the  mind  free  from 
domestic  anxiety. 

War  is  likely  to  thicken  upon  us.  Conspiracies  at  Cambridge, 
Traitors  at  Boston,  among  which  it  is  said  some  very  unexpected 
names  appear,  though  we  do  not  yet  learn  who. 

Burgoyne’s  troops  supplied  with  arms,  our  own  army  without 
clothes,  without  provisions  and  without  tents,  many  of  them 
deserting  to  the  enemy  and  others  on  the  borders  of  mutiny, 
General  Washington  under  suspicions,  about  to  be  dismissed  or  to 
retire  in  disgust,  the  toast  among  the  soldiers  Washington  or  no 
army,1  and  to  complete  the  picture,  the  General  Court  laying  on 
taxes  and  making  regulations  that  the  people  are  determined  not 
to  comply  with.  Yet  I do  not  feel  greatly  terrified  by  these  dismal 
accounts.  We  often  see  the  clouds  gather  blackness  and  when  big 
with  the  lowering  storm  they  are  suddenly  dispersed  by  that 
almighty  hand  who  sits  at  the  helm  and  suffers  no  ill  to  befall  his 
creatures  but  when  necessary  to  promote  the  mighty  designs  of  his 
providence;  that  providence  has  hitherto  protected  us.  I strike 
out  three  fourths  of  this  gloomy  tale  as  only  the  vague  rumours  of 
the  day  and  reverse  the  scene  and  view  America  finally  triumphant 
though  innumerable  difficulties  may  rise  up  in  her  way. 

We  have  two  British  transports  now  in  this  harbor.2  A number 

1 This  refers  to  the  Conway  cabal  and  its  design  of  placing  Gates  in  command  of  the 
army. 

2 For  taking  the  Convention  troops  to  England.  The  total  number  of  transports  was 
twenty-five,  under  the  command  of  Hugh  Dalrymple.  A list,  with  the  tonnage  of  vessels 
is  in  Heath  Papers,  vm-177. 


8 


M^arren -Adams  Letters 


[1778 


of  our  people  went  on  board  yesterday  and  returned  mightily 
pleased  with  the  civility  and  the  presents  they  received.  What  a 
weakness!  How  easily  are  mankind  duped  by  each  other  without 
either  love  confidence  or  esteem. 

I have  been  better  this  day  than  any  one  since  you  left  me.  I 
know  you  pity  me  under  this  long  confinement,  were  you  to  look 
in  upon  me  and  in  your  way  “Come  up  spirits,”  and  then  paint 
some  agreeable  images  as  usual  I know  nothing  that  would  have  so 
ready  a tendency  to  restore  health;  that  cheerful  voice  has  always 
a very  happy  effect  on  your 

Marcia 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams1 

Boston,  May  8th,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I hope  by  this  Time  you  have  got  over  the 
greater  part  of  your  long  and  tedious  Journey  to  York  Town,  and 
you  will  soon  get  through,  and  find  all  things  to  your  Wishes. 
Nothing  material  has  occurred  here  since  your  departure  but  what 
you  will  have  an  account  of  before  this  can  reach  you.  We  are 
now  enjoying  the  first  fruits  of  our  New  Connections,  several  of 
the  fleet  from  France  are  arrived,  with  large  quantities  of  Cloath- 
ing,  etc.,  and  a French  Man  of  War  of  36  Guns,  so  that  your 
beloved  Harbour  looks  quite  Brilliant.  I want  you  should  enjoy 
the  prospect  from  your  Windows.  The  public,  and  private  Per- 
sons are  treating  the  officers  of  the  French  Man  of  War  with  every 
Mark  of  Respect,  and  I understand  they  are  highly  pleased  with 
Your  Town.  Tomorrow  the  Council  entertain  them  with  a public 
Dinner  at  Marston’.  I am  to  be  one  of  the  Guests,  you  will  cer- 
tainly see  among  the  Toasts,  the  Congress,  and  the  King  of 
France.  You  will  remember  the  Embarrassments  of  the  Navy 
Board  for  want  of  Money,  and  our  Embarrassments  Increase  with 
the  great  Accumulation  of  Business  which  grows  on  us  every  Day, 
with  six  Sail  of  Ships  and  Brigantines  on  hand  in  this  Port  and  a 
number  of  other  Demands  we  can’t  at  this  time  command  500 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1 778] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


9 


dollars,  we  have  indeed  some  Warrants  on  the  Loan  Offices  but 
can  get  no  Money.  You  will  also  remember  the  provision  for  the 
Members  of  the  Board,  the  Cloathers  Otis  & Andrews  are  in  great 
difficulty  for  want  of  Money  and  should  be  supplied,  to  preserve 
any  kind  of  Credit  to  the  Continent. 

I wish  you  every  Happiness  and  am  Your  Sincere  Friend 

J.  Warren 

Mr.  Hancock  talks  of  going  in  a day  or  two. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams1 

Boston,  May  ioth,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I wrote  to  you  two  days  ago  since  which 
nothing  very  material  has  occurr’d.  I was  yesterday  at  an  Ele- 
gant Entertainment  made  at  Marston’s  House  by  our  Council 
for  the  Officers  of  the  French  Frigate  and  other  Strangers,  this 
was  attended  with  fireing  of  cannon,  etc.  and  seemd  to  give  great 
Satisfaction,  and  if  not  quite  Conformable  to  the  rigid  rules  and 
Oeconomy  of  a Young  Republic  may  under  our  Circumstances  be 
good  policy,  the  Representatives  of  your  Town  were  all  present 
Except  Gen’l  Hancock  who  did  not  honour  us  with  his  Company, 
why  he  did  not  is  a subject  of  Conjecture  for  you  and  others  with- 
out being  able  to  assign  a reason  in  any  other  way.  had  you  been 
present  you  might  not  have  appeared  as  the  greatest  Man  in 
Company  while  the  Council  were  there  and  at  the  head  of  the 
Feast,  tho’  you  might  Actually  have  been  so.  The  Tories  are  very 
Industrious  in  Instilling  prejudices  into  the  minds  of  the  people 
against  our  Connections  with  France.  The  danger  of  Popery  is 
held  up  to  them,  and  every  other  Art  that  Wickedness  and  weak- 
ness can  devise  is  practised,  but  I hope  with  little  Effect,  this 
may  be  more  Excusable  in  some  People  but  what  will  you  think  of 
a Member  of  Congress  who  for  the  sake  of  Establishing  his  own 
popularity  or  for  any  other  reason  should  Express  his  Appre- 
hensions or  rather  his  Opinion  that  this  Connection  will  ruin 
America,  when  such  an  Opinion  was  given  in  the  hearing  of  one 
x From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


[1778 


1 o 


Tory  Lady,  you  may  easily  conceive  it  is  told  to  others,  and  quoted 
by  the  great  Numbers  with  which  your  dear  Town  abounds.  My 
regards  to  Mr’s  Gerry  and  Lovel. 

Adieu.  Yours  etc. 

J.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  May  13th,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — The  Inclosed  was  designed  to  have  gone  by 
the  Express  which  went  two  days  ago  and  which  I unluckily 
miss’d  but  the  small  Importance  of  it  renders  the  loss  of  little 
Consequence.  We  had  yesterday  an  Arrival  from  France  in  five 
weeks,  there  was  no  war  declared  at  that  Time,  though  other 
matters  of  Intelligence  are  Confirmed  by  her.  I need  not  descend 
to  any  perticulars.  you  certainly  have  much  better  Intelligence 
than  I can  give  or  will  have  before  this  reaches  you.  I have  had 
much  Conversation  with  Mr.  Carmichal.  he  laments  your  being 
gone,  and  wishes  to  be  Acquainted  with  you.  I remember  the 
Letter  you  Communicated  to  me.  I told  him  that  Congress  had 
made  an  Appointment  for  him  if  I remembered  right,  he  seemed 
to  be  pleased  with  it.  whether  I did  right  or  not  I doubt,  if  I did 
you  will  approve  it.  if  I did  not  you  will  not  Expose  a Friend  who 
you  know,  never  did  any  thing  with  a design  to  Injure  the  Cause. 
I have  in  some  measure  given  him  my  opinion  of  Men  and  Meas- 
ures. We  hear  Nothing  of  the  Boston.  Mrs.  Warren  goes  this 
Afternoon  to  Visit  your  Good  Lady.  I suppose  they  will  have  a 
Little  Chat  on  the  Subject  of  Politics.  I am  Your  Assured  Friend 

J.  Warren 

Your  beloved  Town  have  had  their  Meeting  for  Choice  of 
Representatives  this  Forenoon  the  only  Alteration  they  have 
made  is  to  leave  out  Mr.  [John]  Brown  and  [David]  Jeffries  and 
put  in  their  places  Deacon  [William]  Phillips  and  Mr.  [John] 
Lowel.  whether  the  Alteration  be  good,  or  whether  they  might 
not  have  made  as  good  a one  in  some  other  way  you  can  Judge. 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1778] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


1 1 


James  Warren  to  William  Bingham  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  N.  England,  May  21,  1778 

We  have  no  late  Intelligence  from  the  Army.  The  Operations 
of  the  Campaign  had  not  Commenced  when  we  last  heard.  We 
flatter  ourselves  it  will  Open  and  Conclude  to  our  Advantage  and 
place  American  Independence  out  of  the  reach  of  British  Tyranny. 
Your  favour  by  the  Brigt.  Resistance  with  the  Inclosures  have  been 
received  by  the  Navy  Board.  Capt.  Thompson1  is  suspended  and 
will  be  Tryed  by  a Court  Martial.  We  wish  for  the  return  of  Capt. 
Hinman  2 and  his  Officers.  This  is  to  be  handed  to  you  by  Capt. 
Avery,3  whose  principal  Business  at  Martineco  is  to  Claim,  and 
Obtain  possession  of  the  Sloop  America  in  Behalf  of  the  owners. 
This  Sloop  has  been  Intrusted  to  the  Command  of  Capt.  Coit 4 
who  after  a short  Cruise  Carried  her  to  Martineco,  and  there  by 
his  Infamous  Conduct  lost  his  own  Life  and  left  her  in  a Situation 
that  has  occasioned  the  owners  this  Trouble  and  Expence  Some 
of  my  Friends  are  Concerned  in  that  Vessel;  if  you  can  Afford 
him  any  Assistance  you  will  do  an  act  of  kindness  to  them,  and 
oblige  me.  I am  Sir  with  Respect  Your  Most  Obed’t  Humble 
Serv’t 

J.  Warren 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

York  Town,  May  25,  1778 

My  dear  Sir, — Your  favor  by  Capt.  Colter  5 overtook  me  on 
the  Road;  agreably  to  your  Request  I immediately  on  my  Ar- 
rival here  mentioned  to  a Gentlemen  of  the  Marine  Committee 

1 Thomas  Thompson. 

2 Elisha  Hinman. 

3 Probably  Samuel  Avery  of  Milton.  He  had  commanded  the  privateer  Eagle  in  1777 
and  the  privateer  America,  the  vessel  of  the  text,  in  1778. 

4 William  Coit.  The  owners  of  the  America  were  of  Plymouth,  and  their  petition  for  a 
commission  for  Coit,  dated  September  20,  1777,  is  in  the  Massachusetts  Archives. 

5 Mr.  Edmund  C.  Burnett  has  identified  this  name  as  that  of  Captain  Harmon  Courter, 
a bearer  of  despatches  from  Franklin. 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


1 2 


the  Necessity  and  Importance  of  keeping  your  Board  duly  supplyd 
with  Cash  to  enable  you  effectually  to  do  the  Duty  of  your  De- 
partment, and  was  told  that  50m  Dollars  had  been  lately  remitted 
to  you.  I will  not  fail  to  do  what  in  me  lies  to  forward  that  Service, 
as  our  Navy  has  always  lain  near  my  Heart. 

I am  exceedingly  pleasd  to  find  that  our  Army  makes  a much 
better  Appearance  than  it  has  done  since  the  Commencement  of 
this  War.  It  is  very  respectable  in  Point  of  Numbers  and  Dis- 
cipline has  been  happily  improvd  by  the  Baron  de  Stuben  who  is 
appointed  Inspector  General  with  the  Rank  of  Major  General.1 
The  invariable  Accounts  from  Philadelphia  are  that  the  Enemy 
are  making  Preparations  for  an  Embarkation,  and  it  is  expected 
they  will  soon  leave  that  Place.  Where  they  will  proceed  next  you 
can  as  easily  conjecture  as  we.  I am  not  apprehensive  of  their 
visiting  Boston;  I wish  however  that  more  effectual  Measures 
might  be  taken  to  strengthen  and  secure  that  Harbour  and  Town 
from  Insult  to  which  I think  it  is  too  much  exposd. 

I recollect  that  your  Election  of  Councillors  will  come  on  the 
Day  after  tomorrow.  Has  Mr  [Hancock]  waited  for  the  Event 
of  that  important  Day? 2 or  is  he  on  his  Journey  to  this  Place?  It 
is  a Matter  of  so  much  uncertainty  here,  that  Nothing,  I suppose 
prevents  many  Wagers  being  laid  upon  it,  but  its  being  not  of  so 
much  Moment  as  some  others.  Was  he  present  here,  he  might,  if 
he  pleasd,  vindicate  me  against  a Report  which  has  given  Occa- 
sion to  my  Friends  to  rally  me,  that  I have  been  called  to  Account 
and  severely  reprehended  at  a Boston  Town  Meeting  for  being  in  a 
Conspiracy  against  a very  great  Man  [Washington].3  You  know 
how  little  I care  for  such  Rumours.  It  is  easy  for  me  to  conjecture 
by  what  Means  it  extended  it  self  from  Manheim,  where  I first 
heard  it,  to  York  Town;  and  it  may  not  be  difficult  to  guess  how  it 
came  from  Boston  to  that  Place.  Manheim  is  about  twelve  Miles 

1 May  5.  Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xi.  465. 

2 Though  a delegate  to  Congress  Hancock  did  not  attend  until  June  19,  1778.  On 
July  9 he  was  granted  leave  of  absence.  On  May  13  he  had  been  elected  a representative 
of  Boston  in  the  General  Court. 

3 Probably  the  subject  was  discussed  in  the  Town  Meeting  of  May  13  when  a memorial 
to  the  General  Court  on  the  men  supplied  to  the  Continental  Army  was  presented. 
Boston  Record  Commission,  xxvi.  19. 


1778] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


l3 


East  of  the  Susquehanna;  there  lives  Mr.  R.  M.,1  a very  intimate 
Acquaintance  of  my  excellent  Friend.  Mr.  H.  is  said  to  be  on  the 
Road,  but  no  one  makes  it  certain.  When  he  arrives  Messrs. 
Gerry  and  Dana2  propose  to  set  off  for  N.  England.  I shall  be 
mortified  at  their  leaving  us,  for  I verily  think  that  the  Accession 
even  of  that  Gentleman  will  not  make  up  for  the  Absence  of  the 
other  two. 

I am  happy  to  find  C[ongress]  in  perfect  good  humour  and  at- 
tentive to  Business,  though  so  hard  put  to  it  in  this  place,  as 
hardly  to  have  a Room  a peice,  in  which  to  write  a Letter  to  a 
Friend.  It  brings  to  my  Mind  the  Circumstances  and  Temper  of 
the  old  Deputies  who  sat  down  under  a Tree  to  eat  their  Bread 
and  Cheese.  This  is  the  Kind  of  Men  who  are  the  Terror  of  Ty- 
rants. I hope  I shall  shortly  be  able  to  write  you  something  of 
Importance,  from  the  Army  at  least.  In  the  meantime  Vale  et 
me  ama. 

[No  signature.] 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  3 

Boston,  May  31,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — The  Papers  will  Inform  you  that  I am  no 
longer  a Member  of  the  General  Court.  My  Town  left  me  out,  and 
the  House  did  not  take  Notice  enough  of  me  to  Elect  me  a Member 
of  the  Board  and  so  saved  me  the  Trouble  of  a refusal,  your 
Curiosity  will  lead  you  to  Enquire  how  my  Town  came  to  leave 
me  out,  and  how  the  Interest  I used  to  have  in  the  House  vanished 
and  sunk  on  this  occasion,  it  may  not  satisfy  you  to  carry  it  to 
the  Account  only  of  the  versatility  and  Caprice  of  Mankind,  they 
have  had  their  Effects,  but  they  would  not  do  alone.  Envy  and 
the  Ambition  of  some  people  has  aided  them,  and  the  policy  or 
rather  what  you  will  Call  the  Cunning  of  a party  here,  who  have 

1 Robert  Morris.  This  friendship  for  Hancock  is  noted  in  Oberholtzer,  Robert  Morris, 
272. 

2 Leave  of  absence  to  Dana  was  granted  August  7,  but  Gerry  remained  through  the 
year. 

3 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


*4 


H^arren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


set  up  an  Idol  they  are  determined  to  worship  with  or  without 
reason  has  had  the  greatest,  they  have  even  made  use  of  the 
Tories  to  prevent  my  being  Chose  by  my  Town,  who  made  their 
Appearance  on  this  Occasion  for  the  first  Time  for  seven  Years. 
The  partiality  of  you  and  the  rest  of  my  friends  has  made  me  an 
object  of  great  Importance  with  this  party,  and  every  thing  is 
done  to  get  me  out  of  sight,  in  short  the  plan  is  to  Sacrifise  you 
and  me  to  the  Shrine  of  their  Idol.  I hope  for  the  sake  of  the  Char- 
acter and  Interest  of  our  Country  they  wont  Succeed  against  you. 
for  myself  I am  Content  to  be  as  private  a Man  as  they  can  make 
me.  I have  a Good  Conscience  that  is  all  I want  and  of  that  they 
cant  deprive  me.  I am  not  disappointed.  I have  all  I expected 
you  will  see  the  List  of  the  House  and  will  form  your  own  Expec- 
tations. I suppose  my  Cousin  will  be  an  Influential  Member, 
with  regard  to  the  Constitution  I am  of  the  Opinion  it  will  not 
prevail,  and  that  Anarchy  and  Confusion  will  take  place  before 
we  have  one  settled  Your  dear  Town  have  with  others  lost  their 
Compass  and  with  it  lost  sight  of  their  old  principles  and  policy, 
they  have  acted  accordingly  upon  this  Occasion,  while  no  Man 
can  Entertain  a reasonable  prospect  of  getting  a better  form,  the 
Small  Pox  is  still  lurking  in  Town  and  has  made  its  Appearance  in 
such  a Manner  as  has  alarmed  the  House,  the  Court  is  therefore 
Adjourned  to  Watertown,  what  else  is  done  I cant  say.  No  for- 
eign News,  we  learn  Philadelphia  is  Evacuated,  where  are  they 
going  next,  some  Conjecture  to  the  West  Indies  while  others 
think  the  North  Rivers  or  Connecticut  are  the  Object,  we  shall 
know  soon,  we  have  yet  no  Intelligence  of  the  Arrival  of  the 
Boston  I dont  write  to  Mr.  Gerry  because  I suppose  he  is  on  his 
way  here,  if  still  with  you  my  regards  to  him.  I shall  write  to  Mr. 
Lovel.  Doct’r  Holton  is  waiting  for  General  Hancock,  who  I 
hear  took  a pompous  Leave  of  the  House  Yesterday  by  going  up 
and  shakeing  Hands  with  the  Speaker,  etc.,  after  moving  for 
leave  to  return  soon  if  his  health  would  not  admit  of  his  Tarrying 
long.  I suppose  a Cavelcade  will  attend  him,  Subscriptions  for 
that  purpose  haveing  been  Circulated  for  a week.  I believe  he 
will  go  Tomorrow,  you  will  provide  for  his  reception  as  you  think 
fit.  I am  Your  Assured  Friend  J.  W. 


1778] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

York  Town,  June  i,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I wrote  to  you  a few  Days  ago  by  Mr.  Brails- 
ford,1  since  which  I have  receivd  your  Favors  of  the  10th  and 
13th  of  May.  The  Arts  you  mention  as  being  practicd  by  the 
Tories  in  Boston,  to  prejudice  the  People  against  our  new  Con- 
nections, are  similar  to  those  which  I find  on  reading  a late 
Philada.  Paper,  are  practiced  there.  The  Danger  of  Popery  is 
particularly  held  up  by  the  Partizans  of  that  King,  who  would  wish 
to  drain  Ireland  of  its  Catholicks  to  carry  on  his  bloody  Purposes 
in  America.  I do  not  wonder  that  a certain  Gentleman,  though  of 
the  Character  you  have  described,  should  joyn  in  such  an  objec- 
tion. He  may  think  it  will  give  him  Popularity  among  a particular 
class  of  Men,  and  serve  one  Purpose  which  I believe  he  has  con- 
stantly in  View;  but  I am  satisfied  that  such  a Suggestion  will 
have  a different  Effect. 

I have  receivd  several  Letters  from  my  Friend  Dr.  Lee  since  my 
Arrival  here.  Those  by  the  Way  of  Boston  are  Duplicates,  and 
contain  Nothing  of  Importance  more  than  what  we  receivd  by 
Mr.  Dean.  I wish  you  would  revive  in  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives the  Proposition  which  was  made  last  Winter  relating  to  that 
Gentleman.2  I have  an  additional  Reason  inducing  me  to  urge 
this  Matter,  which  I will  communicate  to  you  at  another  Time, 
and  which  I am  very  sure  you  will  approve  of.  At  present  I 
believe  you  are  satisfied  that  it  is  both  Policy  and  Justice  that  it 
should  be  done. 

Congress  has  been  pleasd  to  put  me  on  the  Marine  Committee.3 
I mention  this  to  you,  in  hopes  that  I shall  have  the  Pleasure  of 
receiving  your  Letters  the  oftener  on  that  Account,  and  particu- 
larly on  the  Subject  of  the  Navy,  which  I will  use  my  utmost 
Endeavours  to  build  up.  The  Committee  have  orderd  a Letter 
to  your  Board  by  this  Post.  Capt.  Burk  4 is  to  have  the  Command 
of  the  Resistance  which  may  be  a Step  to  further  Promotion  here- 

1 Norton  Brailsford.  2 For  granting  land  to  Lee  in  Massachusetts. 

3 May  27,  1778. 

4 William  Bourke.  Capt.  Daniel  Waters  had  refused  the  offer  of  the  vessel. 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


1 6 


after.  The  french  Gentleman  1 who  was  fed  with  Promises  at 
Boston  and  afterwards  substantially  relievd  by  you  is  highly 
esteemd  by  this  Committee,  and  will  be  rewarded  and  employed, 
and  Capt.  Peck2  is  not  unnoticed.  The  new  Frigate  at  Salisbury, 
though  before  christened  by  another  Name,  has  that  of  the 
Alliance  given  to  her  by  the  Committee.  This  Letter  I intended 
to  have  finishd  and  forwarded  by  the  Post,  this  Morning,  (June  2) 
but  was  prevented.  Capt.  Barry  who  is  to  take  the  Command  of 
the  Raughley  will  deliver  it  to  you.  I am  apprehensive  for  our 
Friend  Mr.  J.  A.  who  if  I mistake  not  had  saild  seven  Weeks 
when  the  last  Vessel  left  Nantz.  The  Bearer  is  in  Haste.  Adieu. 

[iVo  signature .] 


Mercy  Warren  to  James  Warren 

Plimouth,  June  2,  1778 

You,  my  Dearest  Friend,  who  have  so  often  heard  me  express 
my  opinion  of  the  folly,  fickleness  and  ingratitude  of  mankind  will 
not  wonder  when  I tell  you  I am  not  at  all  surprised  to  see  them 
forsake  a man  who  for  many  years  has  at  the  expense  of  his  own 
health  and  happiness  uniformly  aimed  to  promote  their  interest, 
but  I own  I did  not  expect  to  see  your  town  so  suddenly  deviate 
from  the  principles  they  formerly  professed. 

I never  supposed  that  in  the  midst  of  the  contest  and  at  the 
most  critical  period  thereof  they  would  suffer  the  inveterate 
enemies  of  this  country  to  lift  up  their  heads  and  openly  oppose 
the  measures  and  malign  the  men  who  have  suffered  so  much  in 
the  public  cause.  Yet  strange  as  it  may  appear  one  of  the  most 
subtile  emissaries3  of  Britain  and  the  most  malignant  of  your  foes 
was  suffered  yesterday  in  full  meeting  of  the  town  to  stand  up  and 
cast  the  most  illiberal  reflections  on  a man  whose  primary  object 
has  been  to  rescue  these  people  from  the  thraldom  of  a foreign 
yoke  and  to  preserve  their  rights  against  the  machinations  of  the 
more  dangerous  enemies  that  lurk  in  their  own  bosoms.  With  this 
sole  point  in  view  how  much  fatigue  and  painful  watching  have 

1 Pierre  Landais.  2 A designer  of  vessels.  3 Ned  Winslow  the  elder. 


1 778]  JVarren -Adams  Letters 


I7 


you  sustained,  and  from  your  absence  and  sufferings  how  much 
anxiety  have  I felt  and  how  many  tears  has  it  cost  me.  But  you 
are  now  released  by  the  suffrages  of  the  people  and  stand  acquitted 
to  your  God,  your  country  and  your  conscience  if  you  never  en- 
gage again.  I feel  the  highest  pleasure  from  the  knowledge  of 
your  integrity  and  the  certainty  I have  that  the  voice  of  popu- 
larity was  never  a stimulus  to  any  one  action  of  your  life.  You 
have  justly  despised  the  breath  of  the  vulgar  and  looked  with 
contempt  on  those  selfish  wretches  who  lie  in  wait  for  the  applause 
of  the  multitude  and  court  adulation  from  every  servile  lip.1 

How  often  has  the  young  gentleman  who  is  the  bearer  of  this 
agreed  with  me  in  sentiment  that  the  reward  of  patriotism  was 
not  in  this  world,  and  as  he  is  just  setting  out  in  the  craggy  path 
of  political  strife  may  he  conduct  so  as  to  reap  the  laurels  due  to 
unblemished  virtue.  But  some  say  he  has  entered  at  the  wrong 
end  of  the  dangerous  labyrinth  yet  I cannot  believe  him  so  lost 
to  the  noble  feelings  of  friendship  and  honour  as  to  unite  with  the 
enemies  of  his  country  to  undermine  a man  I know  he  cannot  but 
esteem  and  who  from  personal  regard  and  a generous  confidence 
in  his  profession  of  Whiggism  has  long  considered  Mr.  G.  Thomas 
in  the  light  of  a friend. 

You  will  perhaps  think  me  a little  chagrined  at  the  late  conduct 
of  your  townsmen  but  it  is  not  heightened.  I have  long  felt  so 
much  indignation  and  disgust  for  the  ingratitude  and  baseness  of 
your  constituents  (a  very  few  excepted)  that  I could  scarce  bear 
the  reflection  that  you  were  sacrificing  the  best  comforts  of  life, 
your  domestic  felicity  to  support  the  interests  of  those  who  stood 
ready  to  repay  your  indefatigable  labour  with  undeserved  ex- 
ecration. 

I will  now  indulge  the  hope  that  your  duty  will  not  urge  you  in 
future  to  be  much  separated  from  your  family,  that  we  may 
shortly  sit  down  in  private  tranquillity  till  Nature  makes  the  last 
demand  “when  Conscience  like  a faithful  friend  Shall  smooth  the 
bed  of  death.”  I propose  to  go  to  Barnstable  on  Thursday.  Shall 
spend  the  day  with  my  father  and  when  I return  it  will  be  in  full 

1 Thomas  Nicholson  was  chosen  to  represent  Plymouth  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court. 


i 8 


W arren-  Adams  Letters  [1778 


expectation  of  meeting  you  in  a day  or  two  more.  In  addition  to 
my  wishes  to  see  you  and  my  purpose  of  returning  with  you  I 
have  still  another  weighty  reason  for  urging  your  return  next 
week  as  proposed.  The  meeting  of  this  town  for  raising  their 
quota  of  men  by  assignment  stands  adjourned  to  next  Monday 
sevenight  you  will  then  have  an  opportunity  once  more  to  exert 
your  abilities  in  favor  of  the  wisest  measures  and  if  you  think 
proper  to  thank  people  for  the  late  marks  of  respect  shown  to  a 
truly  disinterested  friend  of  his  country. 

Do  you  hear  nothing  from  the  Boston  frigate.  If  Mr.  Adams 
falls  into  the  hands  of  foreign  enemies  he  is  to  be  pitied  but  less 
than  those  traduced  by  internal  foes  in  the  presence  of  friends 
who  have  not  spirit  enough  to  resent  it.  Don’t  you  admire  the 
late  address  of  Congress; 1 but  it  is  not  the  same  people  they 
addressed  three  years  ago  so  that  I fear  it  will  have  but  little  effect. 
I hope  to  hear  from  you  soon  and  be  assured  notwithstanding  the 
caprice  of  woman,  the  instability  of  man  and  every  deformity  in 
which  human  nature  is  exhibited  in  modern  times,  you  will  ever 
have  a faithful  friend  in  your  affectionate 

Marcia 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  N.  England,  June  7th,  1778 
My  Dear  Sir,  — We  are  yet  in  a State  of  Uncertainty  whether 
you  are  Arrived  in  France  or  England,  and  Consequently  whether 
you  are  now  acting  as  an  Embassador  or  suffering  as  Prisoner; 
all  we  know  is  that  the  last  Ship  from  France  brings  no  Account 
of  you  tho’  you  had  been  out  seven  weeks  when  she  left  Rockfort. 
The  Enemy  have  Circulated  a Report  that  the  Boston  was  taken, 
and  mention  the  Name  of  the  Ship  that  Captured  her: 2 but  I 
don’t  Incline  to  give  Credit  to  it,  and  think  there  are  reasons  to 
doubt  it.  As  I think  myself  Interested  in  the  Event,  I am  anxious 
to  hear  of  your  safe  Arrival.  Nothing  for  several  weeks  has  got 
in  from  any  part  of  Europe  tho’  the  winds  have  been  remarkably 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xi.  474.  2 Adams,  Familiar  Letters,  338. 


1778]  Warren -Adams  Letters 


l9 


favourable.  Our  Curiosity  is  therefore  wrought  up  to  a high  Key 
to  hear  what  is  passing  in  Europe,  whether  there  be  a declaration 
of  War  between  France  and  England  and  whether  any  other 
Powers  have  Acknowledged  our  Independence,  and  Concluded  a 
Treaty  with  us.  Thus  stand  matters  with  regard  to  foreign  News; 
with  regard  to  domestic  News,  I am  Informed  by  my  Friends  at 
Congress  that  our  Army  is  very  respectable  both  with  regard  to 
Numbers  and  discipline.  The  Baron  de  Stubun  has  performed 
wonders  in  regulating  the  discipline  of  the  Army.  They  are  well 
Cloathed,  and  well  provided  with  Provisions,  Arms,  and  Ammuni- 
tion, and  Congress  have  determined  that  the  Officers  who  serve  to 
the  End  of  the  War  shall  receive  half  pay  for  seven  Years,  and  the 
Soldiers  have  eighty  dollars,  which  has  given  satisfaction  to  the 
first  and  Contentment  to  the  last,  and  prevented  both  resigna- 
tions and  desertions,  but  no  Operations  of  Consequence  have  yet 
taken  place.  The  Enemy  have  made  one  or  two  Excursions  which 
the  Papers  we  shall  send  you  will  give  an  Account  of,  but  were  by 
our  last  Accounts  Immured  in  Philadelphia,  and  preparing  to 
leave  it.  Where  they  will  next  go  is  a Subject  of  Conjecture: 
some  think  they  will  leave  the  Continent,  others  that  North 
River,  Connecticut  or  this  State  is  their  Object.  No  Material 
Alteration  in  our  Currency,  it  is  rather  better.  Goods  of  all  kinds 
are  much  more  plenty,  some  are  cheaper  but  they  don’t  yet  fall  in 
proportion  to  the  demand  for  money  which  is  become  very  Con- 
siderable, and  I think  must  in  time  have  its  Effect.  The  produce 
of  the  Country  is  yet  Extravagantly  dear  and  is  the  principal 
Cause  of  keeping  down  the  value  of  our  Currency.  The  Country- 
men have  so  long  had  the  Advantage  of  high  prices  that  they  don’t 
feel  the  want  of  money  so  much  as  the  Merchants  and  Tradesmen. 
Connecticut  as  well  as  some  other  States  have  passed  a regulating 
Act  which  operates  much  as  ours  did.  They  are  Nevertheless  ob- 
stinate in  Adhering  to  it,  and  have  sent  down  a Committee  to 
Induce  our  Court  to  come  into  the  Measure,  this  Session  many 
Members  I hear  are  fond  of  it.  It  stands  at  present  suspended  for 
an  Answer  to  a Letter  wrote  Congress.  The  Court  met  here  and 
frighted  with  the  Appearance  of  danger  of  the  Small  Pox,  after 
Election  Adjourned  to  Watertown,  where  they  now  are.  The 


20 


TV arren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


Papers  will  Announce  to  you  that  I am  no  longer  a Member  of 
the  General  Court.  My  Town  did  not  chose  me,  and  the  Court  did 
not  Compliment  me  with  an  Election  at  the  Board,  so  that,  were  I 
dismiss’d  from  the  Navy  Board,  I should  be  truly  a private  Man, 
and  an  Independent  Farmer,  and  should  be  as  Contented  and 
satisfied  with  my  situation  as  ever  you  saw  one,  for  really  I am 
Tired  of  public  Life,  tho’  I was  determined  never  to  desert  the 
Colours  I helped  to  hoist.  If  you  Enquire  how  all  this  came  to 
pass  I must  tell  you  it  is  oweing  to  various  Causes.  The  people 
feel  themselves  uneasy  and  don’t  know  the  reason,  they  have 
therefore  shifted  their  Members  more  generally  than  ever.  I 
scorned  to  make  or  suffer  any  Influence  in  my  favour.  The  Tories 
and  the  Influence  from  Boston,  and  some  other  places  had  their 
full  play,  which  are  the  reasons  I am  not  in  the  House.  The  greater 
part  of  the  C[ourt]  from  Envy,  and  other  reasons  never  loved  me, 
and  the  Complextion  of  the  House,  Consisting  of  Members  (the 
most  Influential  of  them)  whose  politicks  are  very  different  from 
mine,  and  who  are  of  the  moderate  Class  which  you  know  I never 
belonged  to,  may  account  for  my  not  being  Elected.  But  above 
all  the  partiality  of  my  Friends  which  has  rendered  me  Obnoxious 
to  a Certain  great  Man,1  and  his  numerous  party  by  holding  me 
up  to  view  in  Competition  with  him,  the  Policy  therefore  has  been 
to  get  me  out  of  sight  and  prevent  my  being  an  Obstacle  to  his 
Glory  and  Ambition.  The  returns  are  not  yet  made  from  the 
several  Towns  of  their  Approbation  or  Disapprobation  of  the 
Form  of  Government  sent  to  them,  but  I believe  it  is  pretty  Clear 
that  the  Majority  have  decided  against  it  in  much  less  time  than 
the  Convention  took  to  decide  in  its  favour.  The  Town  of  Boston 
(whose  wise  Observations  you  will  see  in  the  Papers) 2 and  the 
County  of  Essex  have  had  a great  Share,  and  Influence  in  this 
Determination,  for  you  must  know  it  has  become  very  popular  to 
find  fault  with  the  doings  of  the  General  Court  or  Convention, 
by  those  who  can’t  mend  them,  and  a little  Clamour  much  more  a 
great  one  may  easily  damn  any  measure  good  or  Bad.  The  Great 
Man  Tarried  here  till  after  Election,  and  then  went  off  with  the 
Pomp  and  retinue  of  an  Eastern  Prince.  I was  not  in  the  List  of 

i Hancock.  2 Boston  Record  Commission,  xxvi.  22. 


1778  ] Warren  - Adams  Letters 


2 I 


his  Attendants  and  was  not  Solicitous  enough  to  officiously  offer 
my  service,  and  to  receive  that  Honour.  I suppose  the  Sin  is 
unpardonable.  I must  suffer  the  consequences  of  his  frowns,  and 
be  Content  to  be  ranked  among  those  who  never  Adulate  and 
flatter.  Your  Friend  Adams  is  at  Congress.  Gerry  and  Dana 
propose  to  return  when  Mr.  Hancock  and  Doct’r  Holton  who  is 
your  Successor  Arrive.  This  is  the  third  Letter  I have  wrote  you 
since  your  departure.  I hope  the  others  as  well  as  this  will  reach 
you.  This  is  to  go  by  a packet  that  Carries  public  Letters  for  you 
and  the  other  Commissioners  or  rather  Embassadors,  the  Captain 
of  which  is  to  deliver  them  to  you  in  Person,  so  that  the  danger  of 
the  Seas  Excepted,  the  Opportunity  is  fine.  I have  accordingly 
Informed  your  Lady  of  it,  and  Expect  her  Letters  in  Tomorrow 
which  I presume  will  Inform  you  that  the  Family  are  well.  My 
Love  to  Master  John,  and  believe  me  to  be  with  Great  Sincerity 
Your  Assured  Friend  and  Humble  Serv’t, 

J.  Warren 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

York  Town,  June  13,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  I have  seen  a List  of  the  new 
Councillors  and  Representatives  of  our  State.  I am  sorry  to  find 
that  your  Name  is  not  in  the  List.  I presume  you  declind  the 
Choice,  which  I still  very  much  disapprove  of,  for  Reasons  you 
have  before  heard  me  mention. 

By  the  inclosd  News  Paper  you  will  see  that  the  Scene  begins  to 
open.  You  may  depend  upon  it  that  Congress  will  not  attend  to 
any  Propositions  until  Independence  is  acknowledgd.  The  Day 
before  yesterday,  we  were  informd  by  a Letter  from  General 
Washington  that  Sr.  H.  Clinton  had  requested  a Passport  for 
Dr.  Ferguson,1  Secretary  to  the  British  King’s  Commissioners, 
who  was  chargd  with  a Letter  from  them  to  Congress;  and  that  he 
had  acquainted  Sr.  Harry  that  he  could  not  grant  the  Request 
till  he  should  receive  the  Directions  of  Congress.  In  the  Midst  of  a 
1 Adam  Ferguson  (1723-1816). 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


2 2 


Debate  on  the  Report  of  a Committee  on  this  Subject,  the  Letters 
were  brought  in,  having  been  receivd  by  our  General  and  for- 
warded. This  Mode  of  Conveyance  suited  the  Inclination  of  the 
House,  they  being,  as  I thought,  at  that  Juncture  ready  to  assent 
to  a Proposition  approving  of  the  General’s  Conduct  in  refusing 
to  grant  a Passport  to  the  Messenger , and  expressing  themselves 
content  that  he  should  receive  the  Message  and  send  it  by  a 
Messenger  of  his  own. 

The  Contents  of  the  Letter,  as  far  as  they  were  read  appeard 
extraordinary  indeed,  and  show’d  plainly  that  their  Design  was 
to  draw  us  back  to  a Subjection  to  their  King.  Some  Expressions 
in  the  Letter  gave  particular  Disgust  to  all  the  Members.  The 
House  adjournd  till  Monday  when  I think  I may  assure  you  the 
Subject  will  be  treated  with  becoming  Spirit  and  Propriety. 

I wish  you  would  speak  to  some  leading  Member  in  the  House  of 
Representatives  relating  to  the  Resolution  which  was  offerd 
concerning  Dr.  Lee.  I have  a Reason  which  strongly  influences 
me  to  wish  that  such  a Resolution  may  now  pass.  Justice  and 
Policy  as  well  as  Gratitude  require  it.  There  are  a few  bad  Men, 
one  of  whom  you  are  not  unacquainted  with,  who,  so  far  from 
desiring  that  Respect  should  be  shown  to  that  patriotic  and  highly 
deserving  Gentleman  would  rejoyce  to  see  him  disgrac’d. 

My  friendly  Regards  to  your  good  Lady  and  all  Friends. 
Adieu. 

[Ao  signature .] 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

York  Town,  June  19,  1778 

My  dear  Sir, — I have  Time  only  to  write  you  a few  Words  by 
Captn.  Landais  who  is  appointed  by  Congress  to  the  Command  of 
the  new  Ship  of  War  Alliance.  This  Gentleman  is  esteemd  for  his 
Experience  and  Knowledge  in  Marine  Affairs  and  will  go  first  to 
Portsmouth  to  direct  in  the  Construction  of  the  Ship  designd  to 
be  built  there.  I wish  you  would  (with  the  other  Gentlemen  of 
your  Board)  assist  him  with  a popular  as  well  as  able  Lieutenant: 


1778] 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters 


23 


popular;  because  as  he  is  a frenchman,  it  may  be  difficult  for  him 
to  procure  a sufficient  Number  of  American  Seamen.  He  is  in 
hopes  of  geting  french  Sailors  out  of  the  Vessels  that  are  or  may 
be  at  Boston,  etc. 

I will  by  the  next  Post  send  you  a full  Account  of  our  late 
Transactions  with  the  British  Peace  Makers  which  conclude  with 
confirming  on  our  Part  our  former  Resolutions. 

We  have  just  reed.  Advice  that  the  Enemy  have  totally  evacu- 
ated Philadelphia  and  we  expect  every  moment  to  have  the  News 
confirmd.  Mr.  Hancock  and  Dr.  Holton  are  arrivd.  The  last 
mentiond  deliverd  me  a Letter  from  you  which  I will  more  fully 
acknowledge  in  my  next.  Adieu  my  Friend. 

S.  Adams 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

York  Town,  June  20,  1778 

Dear  Sir,  — In  my  Letter  of  yesterday’s  date  (by  Capt. 
Landais)  I promisd  to  write  again  by  the  next  Post,  and  give  you 
a full  Account  of  our  Transactions  with  the  British  Peace  Makers. 
Cap.  Landais  after  the  ensealing  of  my  Letter  obtaind  a News 
Paper  which  he  intends  to  deliver  to  you.  That  will  answer  the 
Purpose.  The  President  has  informd  us  of  an  opportunity  previ- 
ous to  the  Post  which  I readily  embrace.  It  gave  me  much  Con- 
cern to  find  an  omission  of  your  Name  in  both  Houses  of  Assembly. 
I indulged  Hopes  that  it  was  occasiond  by  your  Time  and  Atten- 
tion being  so  much  employd  in  the  Affairs  of  the  Continent,  and 
am  sorry  that  an  Opportunity  was  not  afforded  to  you  of  declining 
a Seat,  if  you  had  thought  it  necessary,  on  that  occasion.  But,  my 
Friend,  you  must  expect  and  be  content  to  be  now  and  then 
neglected  when  the  Influence  of  aspiring  but  worthless  Men  shall 
prevail  in  an  Hour  while  your  own  and  your  Countrys  Friends  are 
unsuspecting  and  unguarded.  Believe  me,  you  cannot  long  be 
unnoticed  by  your  Country,  while  she  remains  virtuous  and  wise; 
when  a People  becomes  so  abandond  (which  I trust  is  far  from 
being  the  Case  of  our  Country)  as  to  be  not  worth  saving,  no  wise 


24 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


Patriot  will  further  attempt  to  save  them.  He  will  then  seek  a 
Place  of  Retreat  where  he  may  enjoy  the  happy  Reflections  of  his 
own  Mind,  and  count  a private  Station  the  highest  Post  of  Honor. 
But  — the  Express  waits,  which  obliges  me  to  break  off  abruptly. 
Heaven  knows  best,  how  to  dispose  of  you  and  me.  Adieu. 

S.  A 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  June  26,  1778 

My  dear  Sir, — I have  had  the  great  pleasure  of  receiving 
your  several  favours,  per  Blaisford,  Capt.  Barry,  and  one  by  an 
Unknown  hand.  I am  Glad  to  find  you  so  well  pleased  with  the 
Situation  of  the  Army,  and  the  doings  of  Congress  for  you  know  I 
ever  Entertain  an  Opinion  that  things  are  right  when  they  go 
according  to  your  mind.  I Expect  very  soon  to  have  an  Account 
under  your  hand,  of  the  reception  Congress  gave  to  the  proposals 
of  the  British  Commissioners,  and  of  their  Ultimate  determina- 
tions on  them  and  their  silly  Errand,  we  expect  the  Dignity  of 
Congress  will  Appear  with  great  Lustre  on  this  Occasion,  we  have 
handed  about  in  this  Town  a List  of  their  proposals,  but  I cant 
suppose  they  are  Genuine,  they  are  Indeed  too  Contemptible 
even  for  the  British  Administration  to  be  the  Authors  of.  My 
Letter  per  Mr.  Collins  which  I presume  has  reached  you  before 
now  will  Inform  you  that  I did  not  leave  my  station  in  the  Political 
Ship  before  the  Gale  was  over,  or  fly  from  those  Colours  I helped 
you  and  some  few  other  Good  Patriots  to  Hoist.  You  know  I have 
been  on  Deck  for  twelve  Years,  and  I believe  you  will  not  be  able 
with  all  your  discernment  and  Watchfulness  to  recollect  an  In- 
stance of  my  flinching.  I was  left  out  by  my  Town,  without  an 
Ostensible  reason  to  give.  I was  not  Noticed  by  the  two  Houses 
for  reasons  best  known  to  themselves,  the  Mutability  of  Mankind, 
the  Enmity  of  the  Tories  united  with  the  Intrigues  of  a party  you 
are  acquainted  with  must  Account  for  it.  I will  only  Inform  you 
that  the  Bar  Seat  had  a large  Share  in  this  matter,  and  some  of 
them  that  you  would  hardly  suspect,  this  may  be  adding  In- 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1 778]  JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


2 5 


gratitude  to  Witchcraft,  as  my  whole  Conduct  has  been  Uni- 
formly favourable  to  your  Town,  and  if  you  will  not  Construe  it 
into  vanity  I will  tell  you  I have  sometimes  thought  I did  them  as 
much  service  as  any  Representative  they  have  had  since  you  left 
the  House.  You  and  I have  been  Companions  the  whole  Vo[yage]. 
I have  now  the  Honour  to  be  the  Object  of  the  same  rancour,  and 
the  victim  of  the  same  Intrigue  and  policy  as  against  you.  how- 
ever I am  Content  with  regard  to  myself  if  your  Interest  is  Se- 
cured. with  regard  to  your  Friend  Dr.  Lee  I took  Care  early  in 
the  Session  to  Apply  to  some  Members  to  have  the  Business  done, 
the  Court  is  now  Adjourned  to  September.  I question  whether  it 
is  done,  tho’  I am  not  certain.  I was  promised  but  as  they  set  out 
of  Town,  I had  not  the  Advantage  of  pursueing  the  matter.  I will 
not  forget  or  Neglect  it.  but  you  are  to  Consider  that  I and  my 
Applications  may  for  a while  be  treated  with  Neglect,  and  if  you 
will  permit  me  to  use  Metaphors  suggested  by  the  Nature  of  my 
Business,  A New  Crew  is  Ship’d  and  the  principle  direction  fallen 
into  hands  whose  Seamanship  we  did  not  use  to  Esteem,  and  who 
for  want  of  Fortitude  never  dared  to  go  aloft  to  view  the  fair  and 
open  Coast  before  them,  or  to  Examine  and  Ascertain  the  strength 
of  the  Ship  and  how  well  she  was  Constructed  and  fitted  for  the 
Voyage.  Millions  of  such  Seamen  never  would  have  Conducted 
her  to  the  Lattitude  and  Longitude  she  is  now  in.  but  enough  of 
this  your  own  reflections  I dare  say  Exhibit  pictures  much  more 
to  the  Life. 

I am  Extremely  Glad  to  find  you  on  the  Marine  Committee,  for 
Notwithstanding  you  have  not  been  used  to  Naval  Matters,  I 
conceive  you  will  do  great  Service  there.  I shall  write  to  you  often 
the  little  time  I shall  be  connected  with  you  in  that  Station,  and 
very  freely,  for  the  Subject  must  be  better  Understood,  and  more 
Attended  to,  or  the  Navy  given  up,  though  I conceive  it  will  soon 
be  more  Important  and  more  necessary  than  an  Army,  did  your 
Committee  attend  to  this  matter  would  they  write  us  that  they 
hoped  50,000  dollars  would  supply  all  our  demands  for  some  time, 
we  received  that  Money,  we  have  reev’d  the  greatest  part  of 
80,000.  dollars  we  drew  for  in  favour  of  Mr.  Shaw,1  and  this  Morn- 

1 Nathaniel  Shaw,  Jr.,  Continental  Agent  at  New  London,  Connecticut. 


JV arren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1778 


2 6 


ing  we  had  not  a ioo  dollars  in  the  office,  and  if  Capt.  Bradford  1 
had  not  been  good  enough  to  Supply  us  with  £1000.  we  could  not 
have  paid  the  Bounty  to  Seamen  this  day  Entered,  we  must  stop 
payment  of  all  Bills,  however  reasonable  or  Justly  due,  or  however 
hard  we  are  duned.  where  to  look  next,  or  what  is  to  be  done  next 
week  I know  not.  this  is  Indeed  Embarrassing,  why  Sir  we 
want  500,000  dollars  if  it  be  meant  we  should  do  any  thing  to 
purpose,  is  it  feared  we  shall  Squander  profusely,  or  apply  fraudu- 
lently. our  Accounts  will  be  at  any  time  ready  in  three  days  for 
the  strictest  Scrutiny.  I am,  my  Friend,  also  Mortified,  and  it  is 
hard  to  be  both  perplexed  and  Mortified,  while  we  work  for 
Nothing,  and  spend  necessarily  more  than  our  pay.  Many  things 
take  place  to  make  me  feel  very  small  in  this  office,  to  say  nothing 
of  our  Inability  to  Answer  the  Expectations  of  the  public  and  of 
their  never  knowing  the  reason,  why  when  you  have  Appointed 
Captains  in  the  Navy  cant  it  be  left  to  us  to  say  which  shall  go  in 
any  Ship  here  on  a vacancy  and  while  we  and  every  Body  else 
sees  the  service  suffering,  must  we  wait  for  an  Appointment  from 
the  Marine  Committee,  they  Expect  the  Raleigh  is  prepared  for 
the  Sea.  but  two  days  ago  a Captain  for  her  Arrived  here,  and 
every  Body  acquainted  with  Seamen  must  know  they  will  not 
Engage  in  a Ship  till  they  know  the  Captain,  the  public  have 
Clamoured,  to  save  our  Reputation  we  have  been  obliged  to  take 
pains  to  let  it  be  known,  that  you  dare  not  trust  us  so  far.  the 
Brigantine  Resistance  has  lai[n]  some  time,  to  get  her  to  sea  we 
appointed  or  rather  orderefd]  Capt.  Olney  to  take  Command  of 
her.  he  is  a deserving  Officer,  and  I think  would  make  a figure  in  a 
better  Vessel,  he  readily  obeyed  and  things  were  going  on  finely. 
An  Appointment  arrives  for  Burke,  he  may  be  a good  officer  but 
besides  the  Mortification  to  us,  the  Brigantine  will  be  delayed. 
My  favourite  plan  was  to  get  a Number  of  these  Vessels  to  Sea  in 
Company.  Your  Committee  have  Approved,  and  desired  it,  but 
how  is  it  possible,  the  Raleigh  would  have  been  ready  for  the  Sea, 
if  she  had  a Captain,  she  has  now  no  Men.  you  have  Appointed  a 
Good  one.  I believe  we  shall  Man  her  soon,  but  the  Warren  is 
almost  Manned.  Must  she  wait  for  her.  I wish  you  would  make 

1 John  Bradford,  Continental  Agent  at  Boston. 


1 778]  Warren -Adams  Letters 


27 


that  a Question  and  give  me  an  Answer.  Why  when  you  have 
packets  of  Importance  to  be  sent  to  your  Commissioners  must 
they  go  through  the  hands  of  the  Council  of  this  State  in  V essels 
■ provided  by  us.  are  your  own  Immediate  Officers,  Insufficient  for 
such  a purpose?  if  not  it  seemed  a more  regular  Channel  of  Con- 
veyance. if  they  are  you  may  form  a Board  here  of  persons  as 
Competent  to  that  or  any  other  purpose  as  the  Council,  and  I will 
be  ready  to  resign  and  make  way  for  such  an  Appointment.  I 
wont  mention  some  other  Instances  because  I wont  be  tedious.  I 
own  I am  a proud  fellow,  but  after  all  it  is  a subordinate  passion 
to  my  Wishes  for  the  Good  of  the  Voyage.  I am  well  pleased  that 
you  have  given  a Name  to  the  New  frigate  at  Salisbury,  and  that 
it  is  a New  One. 

I hope  our  Friend  Adams  is  safe  arrived  we  hear  so,  and  believe 
it.  twenty-two  days  after  they  were  out,  they  took  perhaps  the 
richest  prize  that  has  been  made  this  War.  she  was  retaken  on 
this  Coast  and  Carried  to  Hallifax,  within  fourteen  hours  sail  of 
this  Port,  she  made  some  resistance.  Our  Friend  would  keep  the 
Deck,  and  shew  great  Marks  of  Courage,  tho  the  first  Shot  cut 
away  the  Mizen  Topsail  or  Cross  Jack  Yard  over  his  head.  I 
suppose  my  Good  Friend,  Mr.  Gerry,  is  now  on  the  road,  as 
General  Flancock  must  have  been  with  you  some  time  ago.  my 
Expectations  of  it  for  some  time  past  have  prevented  my  writeing 
to  him.  if  he  should  be  still  detained  with  you,  please  to  Assure 
him  of  my  Invariable  Friendship,  and  tell  him  the  reasons  I have 
not  wrote  him  lately.  I have  only  to  Add,  Compliments  to  all 
Friends,  and  am  Assuredly  Yours 

[Ao  signature .] 

Did  Coll  Lee  Receive  the  Jesuits  Bark  in  safety. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  June  28,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — The  Navy  was  the  principal  Subject  of  a long 
and  perhaps  tedious  Letter  two  days  ago  which  I suppose  will  go 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


28 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


with  this,  if  it  requires  an  Apology  I will  tell  you  it  was  wrote  in 
perfect  Composure,  and  good  Humour  and  in  Justification  of  the 
familiarity  I used  that  it  was  wrote  to  you  as  a friend  not  as  one  of 
my  Masters.  I intend  the  Cheif  Subject  of  this  shall  be  the  Army, 
the  takeing  of  Burgoyne  and  his  Army  was  certainly  a glorious 
Event  for  America,  but  I cant  help  considering  it  as  a Misfortune 
to  us  that  this  State  was  pitched  upon  as  the  place  of  their  Cap- 
tivity, especially  as  they  are  detained  here  so  much  longer  than 
was  at  first  expected,  under  every  restriction  that  Whig  Prin- 
ciples and  true  policy  would  dictate  they  would  have  many 
Oppertunities  by  their  Arts  and  Intrigues  to  Encourage  and  Con- 
firm the  Ungodly,  and  to  Shake  the  Confidence  of  the  faithful, 
what  then  is  to  be  Expected  from  an  Excess  of  Complaisance  pro- 
ductive of  Unbounded  Indulgence  but  a perfect  Knowledge  of  our 
Country,  a Conciliation  of  the  Affections  of  our  simple  Country- 
men to  their  Murtherers  discord,  and  an  Estrangement  from  their 
true  Friends,  the  prevalence  of  Toryism  and  every  evil  work.  One 
Regiment  more  only  is  yet  removed  to  Rutland  since  you  left  us. 
was  it  ever  Expected  that  there  should  be  a free  open  Communica- 
tion between  Cambridge  and  Rutland  and  their  Officers  suffered 
to  pass  and  repass  at  pleasure  and  to  come  into  this  Town,  did 
you  ever  suppose  that  our  General  would  dine  with  theirs  on  the 
Tyrants  Birth  day,  and  I presume  of  course  drink  his  Health, 
did  you  Imagine  that  Politeness  had  risen  to  such  a pitch  that 
Gen’l  Phillips  and  some  of  his  officers  were  in  return  Invited  on  a 
party  of  pleasure  down  this  Harbour,  and  that  when  he  Excused 
himself  because  the  officers  of  a Regiment  to  March  to  Rutland 
the  day  after  that  Appointed  for  the  frolick  were  to  dine  with  him 
on  that  day,  the  March  was  offered  to  be  postponed  to  another, 
etc.,  etc.  I do  assure  you  my  Friend  an  old  Roman  Republican 
would  make  an  Awkward  figure  here  in  these  days  of  refinement, 
and  might  Exclaim  O Tempora,  O Mores,  till  his  Heart  acked 
without  any  Effect.  I wish  for  my  part  these  Troops  were  properly 
treated  and  restrained  or  dismiss’d  on  their  own  Terms.  We  have 
no  News  but  from  the  Southward,  as  all  the  Armies  are  said  to  be 
in  motion  we  Expect  great  Events,  have  you  a single  Member  that 
deserves  the  Character  of  Insolent,  Overbearing,  and  dogmatical. 


1778]  W arren  -Adams  Letters 


29 


if  not  will  vanity,  Ambition,  or  popularity  without  Merit  atone 
for  giveing  it.  Will  you  in  your  next  give  me  the  Character  of  Mr. 
M[ar]ch[an]t.  I am  always  pleased  with  your  pictures.  I trouble 
you  no  More  at  this  Time  than  to  desire  your  Care  of  the  Inclosed 
Letters  and  to  deliver  them  with  my  regards  to  the  Young  Gentle- 
man they  are  directed  to. 

Adieu  says  your  Friend, 

[No  signature.] 

Capt.  Burke  hesitated  about  accepting  Command  of  the 
Brigantine  but  has  done  it  at  last,  the  prejudices  of  the  Officers 
here  against  him  are  great,  as  you  have  patronized  him  I hope  he 
will  turn  out  an  honest  man.  he  has  desired  a Court  of  Enquiry 
into  his  Conduct  dureing  his  Captivity. 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  N.  England,  July  1st,  1778 
Sir,  — I have  wrote  you  several  long  Letters  since  you  left  us, 
some  of  which  you  will  doubtless  by  the  Enemy  be  releiv’d  from 
the  trouble  of  reading.  My  last  was  by  Capt.  Barnes  about  four- 
teen days  ago,  at  a time  when  we  had  reason  to  be  anxious  for 
your  safety.  Two  days  ago  for  the  first  time  we  were  Ascertained 
of  the  safe  Arrival  of  the  Boston  and  of  your  being  in  Paris.  This 
Intelligence  we  have  by  a Packet  from  France  in  forty-six  days, 
which  brought  public  and  private  Letters.  I am  told  there  are 
Letters  from  you  tho’  I have  not  the  Honour  and  Happiness  of 
being  Numbered  among  those  to  whom  they  are  directed.  I sup- 
pose the  public  Letters  that  go  by  this  Conveyance  with  the 
Gazettes  we  shall  Inclose  will  give  you  all  the  News  of  this  Coun- 
try. Great  Expectations  are  formed  here  from  the  Circumstances 
and  Situation  of  our  own  Army,  and  that  of  the  Enemy.  We 
have  no  Cruisers  on  our  Coasts  at  this  Time  they  are  all  Called 
into  Hallifax  where  they  are  in  the  Horrors  from  the  Apprehen- 
sion of  a French  Fleet  said  to  be  in  these  Seas,  tho’  we  have  yet 
no  particular  Account  of  them.  By  this  Means  our  prizes  and 


3° 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  ll77 8 


Merchantmen  have  a fine  Chance  to  get  in,  and  they  succeed 
Accordingly.  This  Vessel  goes  of  so  suddenly  that  I fear  Mrs. 
Adams  will  not  hear  of  this  opportunity  to  write.  If  she  does  not 
it  may  be  some  satisfaction  to  you  to  be  Informed  that  she  is  well. 
I am  obliged  to  Conclude  and  am  Your  Assured  Friend  and 
Humble  Serv’t, 

J.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  July  5,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  wrote  you  very  lately  and  very  lengthy, 
if  they  come  so  fast  as  to  be  Troublesome,  you  will  give  me  Notice 
and  I will  stop  my  hand.  The  Army  was  the  principle  Subject  of 
my  last.  I will  now  in  turn  give  you  a few  more  of  my  Sentiments 
with  regard  to  the  Navy.  The  Manning  and  dispatch  of  your 
Ships  here  depend  very  much  on  the  Character  of  the  Command- 
ers. all  we  can  do  seems  to  little  purpose,  unless  the  Captains  and 
Officers  are  popular,  and  such  as  the  Seamen  have  a Confidence 
in.  Capt.  Burke  may  be  a good  Officer,  but  there  are  suspicions 
subsisting  and  a certain  unpopular  air  and  manner  in  his  Be- 
haviour that  has  Occasioned  those  Men  who  Intended  to  go  in 
that  Brigantine  to  leave  her,  and  I fear  in  spite  of  every  thing  I 
can  do  it  will  be  long  before  she  goes  to  Sea.  This  Appointment 
seems  to  be  a matter  of  Speculation,  and  as  the  Service  is  retarded 
by  it  gives  great  occasion  for  the  observations  of  the  Speculators, 
but  Nothing  has  afforded  a more  ample  subject  for  those  People 
and  for  the  resentment  of  the  Navy  Officers  than  the  late  Appoint- 
ment of  Capt.  Landais  to  the  Alliance.  I am  afraid  this  will  be 
productive  of  much  Confusion  and  Mischief,  he  is  an  Ingenuous 
and  well  Behaved  Man.  I am  pleased  to  see  him  taken  Notice  of, 
but  this  Appointment  seems  to  be  marked  with  some  degree  of 
Enthusiasm,  you  have  certainly  Exceeded  his  Expectations  if  not 
wishes,  and  have  you  done  Justice  to  some  Exceeding  good  offi- 
cers here,  who  have  older  Commissions  than  his,  and  with  their 
x From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1778]  W arren  -Adams  Letters  31 


Familys  been  long  starving  on  their  bare  pay.  Manley,  Olney, 
and  Waters  have  reason  to  suppose  themselves  Neglected,  espe- 
cially the  first,  as  he  was  made  acquainted  that  the  Marine  Com- 
mittee (as  they  wrote  us)  Intended  that  Ship  for  him  if  he  was 
Honourably  acquitted  by  a Court  Martial.  Capt.  Landais  when 
he  went  from  here  seemed  to  Expect  no  more  than  some  kind  of 
Superintendency  in  the  Construction  of  Ships,  there  are  two  very 
good  Lieutenants  in  that  Ship  but  I am  told  they  will  both  leave 
her  and  the  service.  I fear  he  will  never  man  her  unless  with 
Frenchmen  and  I suppose  that  would  hardly  be  Agreable  to  Con- 
gress. she  is  much  the  finest  Frigate  you  have  had.  however  my 
Exertions  shall  not  be  wanting  more  especially  as  I find  there  is 
an  Opinion  that  you  was  his  chief  Patron.  Capt.  Manley  will 
hand  you  this,  he  is  a Blunt,  Honest,  and  I believe  Brave  Officer, 
he  was  first  in  the  Service,  and  merited  much  by  his  Conduct. 
I hope  therefore  he  will  be  continued  and  satisfied,  more  especially 
as  he  is  extreemly  popular  with  Officers,  and  Seamen,  and  can 
Man  a Ship  with  dispatch  when  a Man  as  deserving  could  do 
nothing  in  that  way,  which  is  an  Object  you  must  attend  to  or  be 
content  to  have  your  Ships  lay  in  Port.  Capt.  Barry’s  Character 
stands  high,  and  his  Conduct  is  agreable.  I think  therefore  we 
shall  have  but  little  difficulty  in  Maning  his  Ship  tho’  he  is  a 
Stranger. 

Capt.  McNeil  is  gone  to  make  you  a Visit,  his  Address  is  Insin- 
uating, and  his  Assurance  great,  he  may  tell  you  fine  Storys,  but 
be  Assured  he  has  had  as  fair  and  Impartial  a Trial  as  a Man  ever 
had,  and  as  much  Tenderness  and  delicacy  both  in  the  prosecution 
and  Sentence  as  he  ought  to  wish  for.  We  have  frequently  wrote 
for  an  Establishment  for  Pursers,  and  Pilots,  the  Service  suffers 
for  want  of  it.  do  see  it  done  both  with  regard  to  wages  and  prize 
money,  and  Expedite  the  other  Business  we  have  wrote  about 
perticularly  send  us  Money.  We  Celebrated  the  4th  of  July  here 
yesterday  with  great  parade  and  festivity,  we  have  no  News  here 
we  long  to  hear  how  matters  stand  with  the  Army  and  where  the 
French  Fleet  are.  I am  with  regards  to  all  Friends  Yours  As- 
suredly, 


[No  signature.] 


3 2 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


Did  you  ever  propose  an  Allowance  of  Hay  and  Oates  for  our 
Horses  since  we  have  been  in  this  Service,  our  Board  and  Horse- 
keeping has  from  the  begining  cost  us  more  than  our  pay,  and 
since  last  December  we  have  been  at  least  a dollar  a day  out  of 
pocket,  the  Service  is  hard  enough,  the  least  that  could  be  done 
is  to  afford  us  support  here,  if  we  are  not  Enabled  to  take  any 
kind  of  Care  of  our  Familys.  we  are  Obliged  to  give  Carpenters, 
Riggers  and  some  other  Tradesmen  five  dollars  a day,  while  we 
have  but  about  four.  Ceteris  paribus  they  have  the  Advantage 
of  us.  they  are  at  Home  with  their  Familys,  we  are  Abroad  and 
Absent  from  ours,  your  Resolve  about  the  Frenchman’s  Pendant 
is  thought  very  Extraordinary,  it  is  a great  Triumph  to  the 
Skippers,  and  is  Improved  with  some  marks  of  Insult,  and  is 
mortifying  to  your  own  Officers,  if  it  is  a fact  that  our  Ships  are 
allowed  to  wear  their  pendants  in  the  Ports  of  France  in  presence 
of  Men  of  War,  all  the  officers  lately  there  give  us  wrong  Informa- 
tion, and  certain  it  is  one  of  your  Vessels  of  War  lately  at  Marti- 
nico  [was]  not  permitted  to  wear  her  pendant,  to  the  Mortification 
of  Capt.  Chew,  who  was  a Man  of  great  Spirit.  I hope  proper 
respect  will  be  paid  to  the  Judgment  of  Courts  Martial,  and  their 
Sentences  never  altered  but  where  Errors,  fraud,  Injustice  or 
partiality  plainly  appear. 

A French  Cutter  now  here  fires  a morning  and  Evening  Gun. 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philada.,  July  14,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I am  to  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  your 
favors  of  the  26th  and  28th  of  June.  I have  long  been  apprehen- 
sive, you  know,  that  false  Ideas  of  Politeness  would  injure  the 
Minds  of  our  Countrymen  and  prove  destructive  to  Morals  and 
Liberty.  But  I own,  I did  not  expect  that  the  most  ridiculous 
Folley  would  have  taken  so  early  and  large  a Stride  as  it  appears 
to  have  done  in  the  Instance  you  mention.  It  cannot  in  my 
opinion  be  supported  by  any  Principles  of  Truth  and  Propriety 
and  discovers  a Degree  of  Servility  shocking  to  sober  Humanity. 


1778]  TV arren -Adams  Letters 


33 


And  yet  a Conduct  so  void  of  common  Sense  will  find  Advocates 
among  many  who  never  had  and  never  can  have  a Spark  of  that 
Republican  Feeling  which  you  have  always  possessd.  These 
People  are  formd  to  be  Asses  and  Slaves;  Let  them  remain  so. 
But  surely  they  ought  not  to  be  advanced  to  places  of  Influence, 
to  spread  by  their  Examples,  the  Principles  of  Servility  and 
Slavery  among  the  People.  I will  take  an  Opportunity  when  I am 
at  Leisure  to  answer  your  Letter  of  the  26,  which  I have  communi- 
cated to  my  Friend  Colo.  Lee.  Yesterday  I made  a short  Visit  to 
Monsr.  Gerard.  If  I can  form  any  Judgmjenjt  of  him,  his  Manners 
would  suit  our  Country.  But  I expect  to  be  better  acquainted 
with  him  soon.  Mr.  Hjancock]  has  asked  and  obtaind  Leive  of 
Absence  and  is  going  home!  Adieu. 

S.  A 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philada.,  July  15,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — Mr.  Hjancock]  informs  me  that  he  will  cer- 
tainly set  off  for  Boston  immediately  after  Dinner,  and  being 
now  in  Congress  I have  Time  only  to  write  you  a short  Letter. 

The  Sieur  Gerrard,  will  soon  have  an  Audience  in  Congress  in 
the  stile  of  “Minister  Plenopotentiary  of  his  most  Christian 
Majesty  the  King  of  France.”  Would  you  think  that  one  so 
little  of  the  Man  of  the  World  as  I am  should  be  joynd  in  a Com- 
mittee to  settle  Ceremonials?  It  is  however  of  some  Importance 
that  we  agree  upon  Forms  that  are  adapted  to  the  true  republican 
Principles;  for  this  Instance  may  be  recurrd  to  as  a Precedent  in 
Futurity.1 

The  Articles  of  Confederation  were  signd  last  Week  by  seven 
[eight]  States.  North  Carolina  has  sent  a full  Ratification  of  it,  so 
the  Members  of  that  State  will  sign  when  they  arrive  which  is 
expected  in  a few  Days.  Congress  has  written  a Letter  to  the 

1 The  Committee  was  composed  of  Richard  Henry  Lee,  Samuel  Adams  and  Gouver- 
neur  Morris.  They  reported  on  July  17  but  the  report  was  debated  and  the  final  form 
adopted  on  July  20.  Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xi.  688,  698,  707. 


34 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


States  of  Georgia,  Maryland,  Delaware  and  Jersey  pressing  them 
to  authorize  their  Delegates  to  joyn  in  this  most  necessary  Trans- 
action. I believe  there  will  [be]  no  Difficulty  except  with  Mary- 
land, and  she  will  finally  accede.  The  Articles  have  undergone  no 
Alterations. 

The  french  Minister  arrivd  in  this  City  on  Lords  Day,  and  the 
day  following,  last  Monday  the  Delegates  of  Massachusetts  Bay 
paid  him  their  Complements  in  Form.  I know  not  that  those  of 
any  other  State  have  observd  this  Ceremony.  It  appeard  to  us 
highly  proper.  We  were  receivd  with  Politeness,  and  heard  some 
handsome  Things  said  of  the  State  we  have  the  Honor  to  repre- 
sent. 

The  Minister  plenipotentiary  deliverd  to  Congress  a Letter 
from  his  Sovereign  expressd  in  the  strongest  Terms  of  Affection 
and  Friendship. 

I can  at  present  add  no  more  than  to  inform  you,  that  your 
Nephew,1  the  Son  of  my  old  Friend  James  Otis  Esq,  came  into 
this  City  a few  Days  ago  with  the  Intention  of  purchasing  some 
Necessaries,  but  being  destitute  of  Cash  his  Friends  were  under  a 
Necessity  of  Supplying  him  with  the  Sum  of  twenty  pounds  Law- 
ful Money  for  the  Repayment  of  which  I have  taken  his  written 
Request  to  his  Grandfather,  agreably  to  his  own  Proposal.  I have 
indorsed  the  order  and  inclosd  it  in  this  Letter.  I know  not 
whether  this  will  altogether  meet  with  Approbation;  I was  the 
rather  inclind  to  interest  myself  for  this  young  Gentleman,  be- 
cause I have  been  satisfactorily  informd  that  he  has  behavd  well 
in  his  military  Character.  I gave  my  best  Advice  respecting  his 
Morals.  When  you  receive  the  Money  you  will  please  to  repay  to 
Mr.  Hancock  fourteen  Dollars  and  thirteen  and  two  thirds  to  Mr. 
Dana,  (both  which  Gentlemen  will  be  at  Boston  shortly)  and  the 
Remainder  to  Mrs.  A.,  upon  Notice  of  which  I will  account  with 
two  other  Gentlemen  concernd,  Mr.  Holten  and  Colo.  Pickering. 
I remain  your  very  affectionate 

S.  A 


Mr.  Dana  desires  his  particular  Respects  to  you. 

1 Probably  James  Otis,  an  ensign  in  Col.  Henry  Jackson’s  regiment. 


1778]  Warren -Adams  Letters 


35 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  July  17,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I suppose  I may  now  Congratulate  you  on 
your  return  to  your  Antient  and  most  Convenient  Seat  Philadelphia. 
I hope  you  will  now  possess  it  at  least  as  long  as  you  please,  we 
are  told  the  Enemy  have  suffered  great  loss  in  their  passage  from 
Philadelphia  to  York,  tho’  I could  wish  they  had  suffered  a Corn- 
pleat  defeat,  we  have  a report  of  Town  that  the  French  Fleet 
have  arrived  at  the  Delaware.  I think  it  high  Time  to  hear  of 
their  Arrival  somewhere.  I hope  they  will  do  great  service,  it  is 
said  they  are  under  the  directions  of  Congress,  you  can  hardly 
Conceive  the  Uncertainty  we  have  been  in  about  the  Military 
Operations.  Gen’l  Lee  has  one  day  been  Exalted  by  Applauses  to 
the  Starrs,  and  the  next  Condemned  for  Capital  Offences:  at  least 
to  the  Tryal  of  a Court  Martial  for  them.  We  have  not  a word  of 
News  that  I can  give  you,  every  thing  remains  here  as  it  did.  I 
shall  therefore  trouble  you  no  further  at  this  time  than  to  recom- 
mend to  your  Notice  and  that  of  my  other  Friends  Capt.  Green2 
the  Bearer  of  this,  who  came  from  France  as  Commander  of  the 
Queen  of  France , and  has  in  all  respects  Behaved  as  a Gentleman, 
and  a Friend  to  America.  I Expect  a Packet  from  you  soon.  I am 
sure  if  Numbers  and  length  of  Letters  are  a proper  Charge  against 
you  the  Ballance  is  against  you.  I have  wrote  to  your  Committee 
per  this  Conveyance,  do  attend  to  our  Letters.  I am  forced  to 
ask  for  so  many  things  that  I cant  repeat  them.  My  best  regards 
to  Mr.  Gerry  and  Mr.  Lovel.  I dont  write  to  the  first  because  I 
Expect  him  every  day.  I am  in  haste.  Your  Friend  etc.3 

J.  w. 


1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library.  2 John  Green. 

3 Letters  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  July  20  and  25,  1778,  are  in  Writings 
of  Samuel  Adams,  iv.  41,  45. 


36  Warren -Adams  Letters  [177s 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Passi,  July  26,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — Yours  of  [7]  June  by  Captain  Barnes  fortu- 
nately reached  me  yesterday.  I was  much  surprised,  you  may 
well  imagine,  at  its  Contents.  But  I suppose  the  Cause  of  their 
not  electing  you  to  the  Council  must  have  been  your  engagements 
in  the  Navy  Board. 

I am  unhappy  to  learn  by  the  Newspapers  that  our  Constitu- 
tion is  likely  to  occasion  much  Alteration  in  the  State,  but  not- 
withstanding all  our  Dissentions,  there  is  a Mass  of  Prudence  and 
Integrity  among  our  People  that  will  finally  conduct  them  into 
the  right  way. 

I wish  now  that  I had  accepted  of  your  polite  offer  of  your  Son. 
It  is  however  for  his  Interest,  because  he  may  pursue  Business 
there  to  much  better  Profit.  If  Mr.  Austin  should  leave  me,  I 
should  have  occasion  for  a Clerk,  which  would  afford  a young 
Gentleman  a decent  subsistence  and  no  more.  The  Frigates,  the 
Merchandise,  the  Negotiations  and  the  vast  Correspondence  we 
have,  render  a Clerk  indispensably  necessary  for  each  of  the 
Commissioners,  and  for  some  of  them  more  than  one. 

Mr.  Hancock,  Mr.  Adams  and  my  respectable  successor,  Dr. 
Holten,  are  gone  to  Congress,  but  you  don’t  mention  Mr.  Paine. 
Where  is  he  ? Earning  Twenty  thousand  dollars  a year  at  the  Bar  ? 
If  he  is  I wish  him  Joy  and  hope  in  time  to  arrive  at  some  Part  of 
the  same  Honour  and  Profit.  Dane,  I suppose,  is  earning  Thirty 
thousands.  Upon  my  word,  I think  these  Gentry  ought  to  throw 
their  Profits  into  Hotchpotch  with  a poor  Brother  at  Passi. 
Where  is  the  Spirit  and  the  Genius  of  America?  To  suffer  the 
feeble  Remnants  of  our  Enemies  in  Philadelphia  and  Rhode 
Island  to  come  out  with  such  Insolence  and  burn  Houses  and 
Vessels  without  Retaliation  is  intolerable. 

Will  it  ever  do  to  think  of  Race  while  Great  Britain  has  Canada, 
Nova  Scotia  and  the  Floridas,  or  any  of  them?  Such  a Race  will 
be  but  short.  We  shall  have  perpetual  Wars  with  Britain  while 
she  has  a foot  of  Ground  in  America.  But  if  the  belligerent  Powers 
shall  be  exhausted  so  as  to  think  of  Race,  leaving  Canada  in  the 


1778]  JVarren- Adams  Letters  37 


Hands  of  Britain,  which  I hope  they  will  not,  the  Boundaries  of 
Canada  must  be  ascertained,  and  of  the  Floridas  too. 

I believe  I can  tell  you  a Piece  of  News.  The  Cabinet  at  London 
have  determined  to  send  to  their  Commissioners  in  America  In- 
structions to  offer  you  Independence,  provided  you  will  make  Peace 
with  them  separate  from  France  and  make  a commercial  Treaty 
with  them,  by  which  they  may  retain  something  like  their  late 
Monopoly. 

They  certainly  think  that  Americans  are  not  Men  of  Honour. 
They  believe  them  capable  of  violating  their  first  Treaty,  their 
first  solemn  sacred  Faith,  within  a few  Moments  of  its  unanimous 
Ratification.  Is  it  because  they  have  seen,  or  heard,  anything  like 
this  Perfidy  in  Americans,  or  is  it  because  they  feel  themselves 
capable  of  such  Conduct  and  infer  from  thence  that  all  other 
Men  are  equally  so? 

Is  there  a Man  in  America  who  would  not  run  all  Hazards,  who 
would  not  suffer  the  last  Extremity,  rather  than  stain  the  first 
Page  of  our  History  with  so  foul  a Breach  of  Faith  ? Is  there  [one] 
who  would  confess  and  prove  to  the  World  that  America  has  no 
Honour,  no  Confidence,  no  faith,  no  Piety  for  the  sake  of  avoiding 
the  Evils  of  War? 

But  where  and  how  did  the  King  and  Council  obtain  Authority 
to  make  such  an  offer?  They  have  no  such  Power.  Parliament 
alone  can  do  it. 

But  they  mean  no  such  Thing.  They  mean  only  to  seduce 
soldiers  to  Desertion.  They  mean  only  to  draw  in  Congress  or 
some  public  Body  to  break  their  Faith  with  France,  and  to  do  the 
same  Act  which  shall  forfeit  the  Confidence  of  all  Mankind,  and 
then  they  think  they  can  manage  America.  Their  object  in  this 
Piece  of  Policy,  as  in  all  their  others  towards  America,  appears  to 
me  to  be  to  seduce,  to  deceive,  and  to  divide.  They  must,  how- 
ever, be  brought  to  mingle  some  sincerity  with  their  Policy  before 
they  will  succeed.  I am  as  ever,  yours. 


38 


W arren  -Adams  Letters  [1778 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Passy,  August  4,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — Your  kind  Favor  of  July  1st  was  brought  here 
Yesterday  from  Bordeaux  where  Capt.  Ayres  has  arrived,  but  was 
not  deliver’d  me  till  this  day,  this  is  only  the  second  received  from 
you.  I have  infinite  Satisfaction  in  learning  from  all  parts  of 
America  the  prosperous  Train  of  our  Affairs  and  the  Unanimity 
and  Spirit  of  the  people.  Every  Vessel  brings  us  fresh  Occasions 
of  Ardour  to  the  French  and  of  Depression  to  the  English  in  the 
War  that  is  now  begun  in  earnest. 

The  Resolutions  of  Congress  upon  the  conciliatory  Bills,  the 
Address  to  the  People  the  Ratification  of  the  Treaty,  the  Answer 
to  the  Commissioners,  the  President’s  Letter,  the  Message  of 
G[overnor]  Livingston  and  the  Letter  of  Mr.  Drayton  are  read 
here  with  an  Avidity  that  would  surprise  you.  It  is  not  one  of  the 
least  Misfortunes  of  Great  Britain,  that  she  has  to  contend  with 
so  much  Eloquence,  that  there  are  such  Painters  to  exhibit  her 
attrocious  Actions  to  the  World  and  transmit  them  to  posterity, 
every  publication  of  this  kind  seems  to  excite  the  Ardour  of  the 
French  Nation  and  of  their  Fleets  and  Armies,  as  much  as  if  they 
were  Americans. 

While  American  Orators  are  thus  employed  in  perpetuating  the 
Remembrance  of  the  Injustice  and  Cruelty  of  G.  Britain  towards 
us,  the  French  Fleet  has  been  giving  such  a Check  to  her  naval 
Pride  as  she  has  not  experienced  before  for  many  Ages.  The 
Vessel  which  is  to  carry  this  will  carry  Information  of  a general 
Engagement  between  D’Orvielliers  and  Keppell,  which  termi- 
nated in  a disgraceful  Flight  of  the  British  Fleet.1  We  hope  soon 
to  hear  of  D’Estaing’s  Success  which  would  demonstrate  to  the 
Universe  that  Britain  is  no  longer  Mistress  of  the  Ocean.  But  the 
Events  of  War  are  always  uncertain  and  a Misfortune  may  have 
happen’d  to  the  French  Fleet  in  America.  But  even  if  this  should 
be  the  Case,  which  I dont  believe,  still  Britain  is  not  Mistress  of 


1 July  27.  The  maneuver  failed  because  of  Sir  Hugh  Palliser’s  neglect  of  Keppel’s 
orders. 


1778]  JV arren  -Adams  Letters  39 


the  Sea,  and  every  day  will  bring  fresh  proofs  that  she  is  not.  The 
Springs  of  her  Naval  power  are  dried  away. 

I have  hitherto  had  the  Happiness  to  find  that  my  Pulse  beat 
in  exact  Unison  with  those  of  my  Countrymen.  I have  venturd 
with  some  Freedom  to  give  my  Opinion  what  Congress  would  do 
with  the  Conciliatory  Bills,  with  the  Commissioners  with  the 
Treaty,  etc.,  etc.,  and  every  packet  brings  us  proceedings  of  Con- 
gress, according  in  Substance,  but  executed  in  a Manner  infinitely 
exceeding  my  Abilities. 

Nothing  has  given  me  more  Joy  than  the  Universal  Disdain 
that  is  expressed  both  in  public  and  private  Letters  at  the  Idea  of 
Departing  from  the  Treaty  and  violating  the  public  Faith.  This 
Faith  is  our  American  Glory,  and  it  is  our  Bulwark,  it  is  the  only 
Foundation  on  which  our  Union  can  rest  securely,  it  is  the  only 
Support  of  our  Credit  both  in  Finance  and  Commerce,  it  is  our 
sole  Security  for  the  Assistance  of  Foreign  powers.  If  the  British 
Court  with  their  Arts  could  strike  it  or  the  Confidence  in  it  we 
should  be  undone  forever.  She  would  triumph  over  us  after  all 
our  Toil  and  Danger;  she  would  subjugate  us  more  intirely  than 
she  ever  intended.  The  Idea  of  Infidelity  cannot  be  treated  with 
too  much  Resentment  or  too  much  Horror.  The  Man  who  can 
think  of  it  with  Patience  is  a Traitor  in  his  Heart,  and  ought  to  be 
execrated  as  one  who  adds  the  deepest  Hypocrisy  to  the  blackest 
Treason. 

Is  there  a sensible  Hypocrite  in  America  who  can  start  a 
Jealousy  that  Religion  may  be  in  danger,  and  from  whence  can 
this  arise?  not  from  France.  She  claims  no  Inch  of  Ground  upon 
your  Continent,  she  claims  no  legislative  Authority  over  you,  no 
negative  upon  your  Laws,  no  Right  of  appointing  you  Bishops, 
nor  of  sending  you  Missionaries.  Besides  the  Spirit  for  cruisading 
for  Religion  is  not  in  France.  The  Rage  of  making  Proselytes 
which  has  existed  in  former  Centuries  is  no  more.  There  is  a 
Spirit  more  liberal  here  in  this  Respect  than  I expected  to  find. 
Where  has  been  the  danger  to  the  Religion  of  the  protestant 
Cantons  of  Switzerland  from  an  Alliance  with  France,  which  has 
subsisted  with  entire  Harmony  for  150  Years  or  thereabouts. 
But  this  Subject  is  fitter  for  Ridicule  than  serious  Argument,  as 


40 


TV arren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


nothing  can  be  clearer  than  that  in  this  enlighten’d  tollerant  Age, 
at  this  vast  Distance,  without  Claim  or  Colour  of  Authority,  with 
an  express  Acknowledgement  and  Warranty  of  Sovereignty,  this, 
I had  almost  said  tollerant  Nation  can  never  endanger  our 
Religion. 

The  longer  I live  in  Europe  and  the  more  I consider  our  Affairs 
the  more  important  our  Alliance  to  France  appears  to  me.  it  is  a 
Rock  upon  which  we  may  safely  build,  narrow  and  illiberal 
prejudices  peculiar  to  John  Bull,  with  which  I might  perhaps  have 
been  in  some  degree  infected  when  I was  John  Bull,  have  now  no 
Influence  with  me.  I never  was  however  much  of  John  Bull.  I 
was  John  Yankee  and  such  I shall  live  and  die.  Is  G.  Britain  to  be 
annihilated?  No  such  thing.  A Revolution  in  her  Government 
may  possibly  take  place,  but  whether  in  Favor  of  Despotism  or 
Republicanism  is  the  Question.  The  Scarcity  of  Virtue  and  even 
the  Semblance  of  it  seems  an  invincible  Obstacle  to  the  latter. 
But  the  Annihilation  of  a Nation  never  takes  place.  It  depends 
wholly  on  herself  to  determine  whether  she  shall  sink  down  into 
the  Rank  of  the  middling  powers  of  Europe  or  whether  she  shall 
maintain  the  second  place  in  the  Scale,  if  she  continues  this  War 
the  first  will  be  her  Fate,  if  she  stops  short  in  her  mad  Career  and 
makes  peace  she  may  still  be  in  the  second  predicament.  America 
will  grow  with  astonishing  Rapidity  and  England  France  and 
every  other  Nation  in  Europe  will  be  the  better  for  her  prosperity. 
Peace  which  is  her  dear  Delight  will  be  her  Wealth  and  her  glory, 
for  I cannot  see  the  Seed  of  a War  with  any  part  of  the  World  in 
future  but  with  Great  Britain,  and  such  States  as  may  be  weak 
enough,  if  any  such  there  should  be,  to  become  her  Allies.  That 
such  a peace  may  be  speedily  concluded  and  that  you  and  I may 
return  to  our  Farms  to  enjoy  the  Fruits  of  them,  spending  our 
old  Age  in  recounting  to  our  Children  the  Toils  and  Dangers  we 
have  encounter’d  for  their  Benefit  is  the  Wish  of  Your  Friend  and 
very  humble  Servant, 


John  Adams 


1778] 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


4 1 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

My  dear  Sir,  — As  Air.  Dana  purposes  to  set  off  early  tomor- 
row Morning  I am  unwilling  to  omit  writing  a Letter  to  you  to  be 
deliverd  by  him.  I part  with  him  with  great  Reluctance,  because  I 
esteem  him  a very  valuable  Member  of  Congress.  It  is  a Consola- 
tion to  me  that  he  has  a Seat  in  the  General  Assembly,  where  I am 
satisfied  he  will  be  greatly  instrumental  in  promoting  the  Repu- 
tation and  true  Interest  of  our  Country.  I sincerely  regret  that 
you  have  not  a Seat  there;  nevertheless  I hope  you  will  not  with- 
draw your  Influence,  which  though  not  a Member,  you  may 
employ  for  the  publick  Good.  There  are  yet  remaining  some  of 
the  old  Patriots  who  have  long  struggled  with  you  against  the 
publick  Enemies.  You  will  derive  to  yourself  great  Delight  by  a 
Recapitulation,  of  past  Scenes,  in  a Circle  of  such  Friends,  and 
by  joyning  with  them  in  further  Efforts,  you  may  make  your  self 
still  more  servicable  to  our  great  Cause.  I know  you  are  engaged 
in  an  important  Continental  Department  and  your  Hands  are  full 
of  Business;  but  I hope  you  will  find  Time  to  continue  and  further 
to  cultivate  an  Intimacy  with  the  leading  Men  of  that  State  in  the 
Government  of  which,  I will  venture  to  say,  you  must  again  have 
a great  Share.  Adieu  my  Friend. 

S.  A. 

Philada.,  Augt.  9,  ’78. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams1 

Boston,  Augt.  18,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  which  I own  was  many  days  ago, 
I have  had  the  pleasure  of  several  of  your  favours  of  the  14th,  1 5th 
and  27th  July  and  thank  you  for  them.  I think  Congress  have 
pitched  on  a person  to  settle  Ceremonials  who  will  not  be  in  favour 
of  what  I hate,  pompous  parade,  etc.  I should  have  voted  for  you 
for  that  reason,  in  my  Opinion  all  the  plainess  and  simplicity  Con- 


I From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


42 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [i 778 


sistent  with  decency  should  be  used  on  such  an  Occasion  as  agree- 
ing best  with  our  Circumstances  and  profession;  but  their  is  such  a 
variant  and  Inconsistency  between  the  practice  and  profession  of 
patriots  as  well  as  Christians  that  I can  easily  Conceive  even  a 
Member  of  Congress  Exhibiting  on  such  an  Occasion  all  the  Mag- 
nificence of  Monarchy.  I want  much  to  hear  of  the  full  Comple- 
tion of  the  Confederation.  I shall  take  Care  of  the  Order  you  sent 
me  and  in  a few  days  have  it  settled.  Manley  has  returned  here 
greatly  Chagrined,  and  full  of  Bitterness  and  resentment  against 
you,  who  he  Considers  as  the  principle  Occasion  of  his  disappoint- 
ment. it  is  Circulated  with  Industry  that  you  are  the  patron  of 
McNeil  and  Intend  to  have  the  decision  of  the  Court  Martial  set 
aside.  You  can  hardly  Conceive  with  how  much  pleasure  this,  and 
indeed  every  other  Story  to  your  disadvantage  is  received  and 
propagated  here  by  a Party  who  are  determined  at  all  Events  to 
ruin  your  Interest.  I stop’d  their  Career  in  this  by  reading  and 
telling  a paragraph  in  your  Letter  relating  to  that  matter.  I shall 
always  oppose  the  measures  of  this  Party,  for  if  I have  no  partial- 
ity for  you,  I have  a prejudice  against  many  of  them.  I cant  bare 
the  Influence  of  Men  who  were  so  hid  in  Holes  and  Corners  a few 
Years  ago  that  it  was  difficult  to  find  them;  and  when  found  dared 
not  tell  you  which  side  they  belonged  to.  Especially  when  that 
Influence  is  directed  against  the  Capital  and  most  Staunch  Friends 
this  Country  ever  had.  those  Men  must  have  an  Idol,  they  most 
of  them  worship’d  Hutchinson;  they  all  now  worship  another 
who,  if  he  has  not  H’s  Abilities,  certainly  equals  him  in  Ambition 
and  Exceeds  him  in  Vanity.  I wish  I could  give  you  a few  Anec- 
dotes. they  would  Excite  your  Indignation  and  perhaps  ridicule. 
The  servility  and  flattery  I am  daily  a Witness  [of]  is  disgusting 
enough. 

Mr.  Hancock  is  returned,  seems  to  be  in  pretty  good  Health,  is 
gone  on  the  Expedition  against  R.  Island,  and  there  as  Major 
General  of  this  State  Commands,  as  the  Newspapers  will  Inform 
you,  the  second  Line  of  the  Army.  I am  told  he  sollicited  the 
Council  to  be  ordered  on  this  Business,  which  after  some  Opposi- 
tion obtained.  What  a noble  Example  of  Heroism,  as  well  as 
Patriotism  does  this  Conduct  Exhibit,  we  want  a Homer  or  a 


1778] 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


43 


Virgil  to  Celebrate  it  and  surely  Congress  itself  must  be  the 
Mecenas  to  prompt  and  Encourage  them.1 

We  have  no  News,  our  Expectations  are  now  fixed  on  the  R. 
Island  Expedition,  we  are  very  anxious  for  the  return  of  the 
French  Fleet,  without  which  I fear  it  will  not  Succeed,  we  have 
had  a hard  Gale  of  Wind  and  other  very  unfavourable  weather 
since  our  Army  was  Collected,  my  best  regards  to  Mr.  Gerry, 
Lovel  and  Dana.  I am  your  Friend. 

[TVb  signature.] 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Boston,  Augt.  25th,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I wrote  you  by  last  Post  pretty  much  in  a 
hurry,  nor  do  I recollect  the  perticulars  of  it.  I believe  there  may 
have  been  in  it  some  Treason  against  puppys  and  villains  and  some 
other  things,  which  may  Consign  it  to  the  Flames  before  this 
reaches  you,  but  I think  I did  not  say  enough  about  Capt.  Manley. 
I do  think  no  Caution  ought  to  be  used  in  speaking  of  his  Bravery, 
with  a Command  of  a Single  Ship  my  opinion  is  he  would  equal 
perhaps  any  in  that  respect,  tho  his  Judgment  and  Abilities  might 
not  be  equal  to  others  in  the  direction  of  more  Ships  than  one. 
however,  between  us,  I would  much  rather  trust  him  even  there 
than  another  I could  name,  whose  pretences  to  both  are  more 
Confident,  and  besides  who  believed  better  in  the  begining  in  a 
Little  Schooner  Exposed  to  all  the  Men  of  War,  and  who  did  more 
service  by  makeing  prizes,  and  in  short  as  Capt.  Hinman  Cant  be 
Expected  here  in  Season  for  the  Ship  at  Norwich,  I do  think 
Manley  should  have  her.  As  for  Capt.  Landais,  no  Exertions  of 
mine  shall  be  wanting  to  Afford  him  every  Assistance  in  my  power 
to  man  his  Ship,  he  rises  in  my  Esteem  every  day  and  I have  the 
pleasure  to  add  in  that  of  others  too.  the  other  Captains  are  Con- 
vinced that  he  is  Master  of  his  Business,  and  that  with  his  agre- 
able  Manners  and  disposition  force  Conviction  of  the  Judicious- 

1 On  Hancock’s  return  to  Massachusetts,  see  Writings  of  Samuel  Adams,  iv.  49. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


44 


barren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


ness  of  the  Appointment  against  every  prejudice.  I suppose  you 
have  such  direct  Intelligence  from  your  Generals  that  it  would  be 
vain,  or  at  least  Unnecessary  for  me  to  think  of  giving  you  any 
Intelligence  of  the  proceedings  at  Rhode  Island.  I may  however 
venture  to  predict  that  there  is  an  End  of  our  Expectations  from 
that  Expedition,  the  French  Fleet  has  left  them  and  I think  they 
must  retreat  and  leave  the  Island,  there  is  no  other  Alternative 
but  to  strike  a great  and  Capital  Blow,  such  an  one  as  the  Genius  of 
an  Hanibal  or  a Frederic  would  dictate,  or  leave  the  Island.  The 
French  Fleet  is  hourly  Expected  here,  an  Agent  from  them  has 
applyed  to  us  for  Pilots  to  meet  them  off  Cape  Cod  and  for  Sparrs 
to  repair  them.  I have  sent  out  twelve  Pilots  and  am  provideing 
the  Sparrs.  the  Council  have  desired  us  to  furnish  every  thing 
they  have  Occasion  for.  I Consented,  but  I find  they  will  heave 
themselves  into  the  hands  of  those  kind  of  Gentry  here  who  will 
take  Care  to  make  their  money  of  them  (I  say  I,  Mr.  Deschon  is 
gone  to  Providence  on  our  Business,  Mr.  Vernon  has  been  absent 
six  months).  I am  somewhat  perplexed  to  know  how  to  dispose 
of  the  Raleigh  and  Resistance , which  are  both  ready  for  Sea  and 
would  have  sailed  this  day  if  the  Fleet  had  Continued  before 
Rhode  Island.1  I wish  I could  have  the  Sentiments  of  the  Marine 
Committee  as  soon  as  possible,  tho’  I dont  know  but  shall  take 
some  measures  without,  as  soon  as  I can  see  Count  De  Estaing. 
We  have  no  foreign  News,  nor  any  other  domestic.  I am  yours 
Sincerely. 

[No  signature.] 

Augt.  27th.  The  French  Fleet  do  not  yet  appear.  Our  Army 
still  Continues  on  Rhode  Island.  General  Hancock  returned  last 
Evening  to  this  Town,  it  is  reported  and  believed,  I suppose,  that 
he  is  come  to  order  back  the  French  Squadron,  if  it  was  reported 
that  he  came  to  arrest  the  Course  of  Nature,  or  reverse  the  de- 
crees of  Providence,  there  are  enough  to  believe  it  practicable. 

1 They  were  ordered  to  cruise  off  North  Carolina,  to  take  armed  vessels  fitted  out  by 
the  Goodriches  (John,  Bridger  and  William)  of  Virginia. 


1 77 8]  Warren  -Adams  Letters 


45 


Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  Aug.  29,  1778 


It  would  be  a Vain  thing  in  me  to  pretend  to  give  you  the  tidings 
the  occurrences  that  the  fleeting  days  and  weeks  present  to  View 
especially  as  you  are  so  nearly  connected  with  one  who  has  so 
large  a share  in  the  Present  Scene  and  who  I doubt  not  communi- 
cates freely  to  you.  We  who  are  at  a greater  distance  and  can 
only  behold  Events  as  they  take  place  have  nothing  to  do  but 
wonder  and  patiently  wait  the  Issue.  We  have  lately  seen  vast 
numbers  of  men  hieing  away  for  a field  of  battle  hurrying  thither 
with  the  most  Sanguine  expectations  but  the  great  Mover  of  Uni- 
versal Nature  has  seen  fit  by  the  operation  of  His  Stormy  winds  to 
check  our  fond  imaginations  and  we  daily  have  the  Mortification 
of  seeing  the  men  return  without  the  Palm  of  Victory.  Our  Son 
the  Librarian1  was  a Zealous  Volunteer  and  is  not  yet  come  back 

from  Camp.  The  British  G 1 P[hillip]s  here  kept  a day  of 

Festivity  on  the  occasion  and  humanely  orderd  his  officers  not  to 
insult  our  Men  on  their  return.  We  who  live  among  them  must 
expect  to  meet  with  Chagrin  as  they  are  always  by  some  Means  or 
other  Possest  of  the  Secret  many  days  before  we  are. 

I have  lately  been  Favord  with  a Review  which  Contains  some 
lines  which  gave  me  great  Pleasure.  If  you  have  not  happend  to 
have  seen  it  or  was  not  the  Philomela  who  sang  it  I doubt  not 
they  will  amuse  you;  but  I must  beg  the  Favour  you  would  return 
them  as  they  Cost  me  some  time  in  Copying.  Rather  than  detain 
you  from  what  will  give  you  more  pleasure  than  anything  of  mine 
be  pleasd  to  Accept  Sincere  Affection  from  your  Unalterable 
Friend,2 

Hannah  Winthrop 


1 James  Winthrop. 

2 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  Seotember  i,  1778,  is  in  Writings  oj 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  52. 


4-6 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Sept.  2d,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — We  are  all  under  Arms.  A Fleet  of  fifteen  sail 
of  the  Line  and  seven  Frigates  appeared  in  the  Bay  last  Sunday  and 
Yesterday  came  Close  in  by  the  Light  House,  they  are  not  to  be 
seen  this  Morning,  but  I suppose  will  show  themselves  again 
about  Noon,  we  suppose  this  to  be  Lord  Howe’s  Squadron 
Joined  by  some  new  Comers,  the  French  Admiral  is  makeing 
every  disposition  to  receive  them  if  they  Attempt  to  come  in,  not 
only  in  the  Arrangement  of  his  Ships,  but  by  fortifying  Nantasket, 
George’s  Island,  etc.,  where  he  has  mounted  Cannon  and  landed 
men.  whether  they  mean  to  amuse  this  Squadron  till  their  Troops 
make  a safe  retreat  to  Hallifax,  or  whether  they  design  to  Attack 
the  French  even  in  this  port  is  Uncertain,  but  I rather  think  the 
first,  we  have  a foolish  Spirit  prevailing  with  rancour  against  the 
French  for  leaving  Rhode  Island.  I call  it  a foolish  one  because  in 
my  Opinion,  if  the  Conduct  of  the  French  has  been  bad,  Common 
discretion  would  dictate  silence  to  us,  and  that  the  only  thing  was 
to  make  the  best  of  it  at  present,  this  is  the  doctrine  I preach  and 
practise.  I cant  bear  to  see  the  Whiggs  falling  in  with  the  views 
of  the  Tories  and  Joining  with  them  in  a Clamour  that  may  prove 
greatly  Injurious  if  not  ruinous  to  us.  but  we  have  always  been 
plagued  more  with  the  Folly  of  the  Whigs  than  with  the  wicked- 
ness of  the  Tories.  Time  wont  permit  me  to  add  more  than  that  I 
am  your  Friend.2 

[Ao  signature .] 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

My  Dear  Sir,  — The  Bearer  of  this  Letter,  Ebenezer  Hazard 
Esq,  is  a sensible  Gentleman  of  good  Character,  and  has  had  a 
liberal  Education  at  the  College  in  Princetown.  He  has  a few  years 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  September  12,  1778,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  58. 


1778] 


JV arren  -Adams  Letters 


47 


past  been  at  Pains  to  obtain  Copies  of  publick  Records  and  Manu- 
scripts relating  to  America.  These  with  such  others  as  he  may  be 
able  to  avail  himself  of  he  intends  to  publish,  in  hopes  that  some 
other  Gentleman  finding  Materials  thus  collected  may  be  induced 
to  furnish  the  Publick  with  the  History  of  the  United  States. 
Congress  has  countenanced  his  laudable  Undertaking.  As  I am 
sure  you  are  ready  to  alford  Assistance  to  a Person  disposd  to 
serve  Mankind  in  this  or  any  other  Way,  (and  I can  assure  you  he 
is  a true  Republican  Whigg)  I have  taken  the  Liberty  to  recom- 
mend him  to  your  Patronage.  Might  he  not  be  permitted  to  have 
Access  to  the  Records  of  our  State.  Are  there  not  some  valuable 
Manuscripts  in  the  Hands  of  private  Gentlemen  in  the  County  of 
Plymouth  or  in  the  Records  of  that  County  or  Town?  The  Papers 
which  were  carefully  collected  by  the  late  Revd.  and  curious  Mr. 
Prince  were  left  to  the  Hon  Mr.  Gill.  It  might  perhaps  serve  Mr. 
Hazards  Purpose  to  be  introducd  to  that  Gentleman.  But  I 
forget  that  you  have  your  Hands  full  of  publick  Business.  Excuse 
me  my  Friend.  Adieu.  Your  affectionate 

S.  Adams 

Philadelphia,  Sept.  22,  ’78. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams.1 

Boston,  Septr.  30th,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I have  received  your  favours  of  the  1st  and 
1 2th  Instant.  I shall  dismiss  the  subject  of  Manley  and  McNeil, 
and  neither  give  you  any  further  trouble  on  that  head,  nor  Expose 
my  Letters  to  your  Critical  Comments  on  a subject  so  little  Inter- 
esting. I am  glad  to  find  you  possessing  your  Soul  in  so  much 
peace  and  Serenity.  Contempt  is  an  Excellent  Antidote  to  the 
Influence  of  the  Arts  and  Malice  of  wicked  Men  on  the  peace  of 
an  honest  Man’s  Mind;  but  I think  I have  heard  you  hold  it  as 
a Maxim  even  in  Politics  not  too  much  to  despise  your  Enemies, 
perhaps  you  only  mean  you  dont  think  my  support  of  any  Conse- 
quence. You  would  be  surprised  at  the  State  of  the  political 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


+8 


Warren -Adams  Letters  (1778 


System  here,  at  the  little  and  the  great  Arts  that  are  practised  to 
pull  down  the  fabric  of  the  last  twelve  Years,  and  at  the  prime 
Conductors,  the  design  seems  to  be  to  lay  it  in  ruins  and  under 
them  to  Bury  the  fabricators,  even  in  the  House  a motion  has 
been  made  and  supported  by  several  B — - — -[Boston]  Members  to 
Admit  Treasurer  Gray,  Doctr.  Gardner,  Jemmy  Anderson,1  etc., 
to  return  in  peace,  this  will  at  once  without  detail  give  you  a view 
of  Matters,  however  in  Justice  to  the  House  I must  also  tell  you 
it  did  not  obtain  at  that  Time  and  that  they  are  by  way  of  Con- 
trast on  a Confiscation  Bill;  but  it  Labours  very  hard,  and  if  it 
passes  at  all  will  not  be  very  Comprehensive,  some  People  of 
Influence  are  against  the  Principle  and  Consequently  every  part 
of  it,  and  some  other  Great  Ones,  haveing  no  principle  themselves 
but  their  own  Ambition  and  popular  Applause,  will  Contend  with 
violence  for  the  Principle  and  then  reduce  it  to  Nothing  by  the 
small  Number  to  be  Inserted,  the  first  is  to  please  the  Whiggs, 
the  last  the  Tories,  for  all  are  to  be  pleased  and  most  people  will 
be  pleased  and  Trumpet  the  praises  of  some  Men,  however  Incon- 
sistant  their  Conduct  is  and  however  Manifestly  Calculated  to 
serve  their  own  Ambitious  purposes.  The  disposition  that  at  first 
appeared  to  Cast  an  Odium  on  the  Count  and  to  discredit  our 
New  Allies  seems  to  have  entirely  subsided  and  has  been  suc- 
ceeded by  the  most  perfect  good  humour  and  respect  shown  them. 
General  Hancock  has  made  most  Magnificent  Entertainments  for 
the  Count  and  his  officers,  both  at  his  own  and  the  public  Houses 
and  last  Week  the  General  Court  Entertained  them  at  Dinner  in 
Faneuil  Hall  with  much  military  Parade,  on  this  Occasion  the 
General  had  an  opportunity  of  Exhibiting  a Specimen  of  his  Mili- 
tary Talents,  etc.  I cant  descend  to  particulars  that  I wish  to  tell 
you,  but  as  the  Papers  have  not  given  a List  of  the  Toasts  and  the 
Manner  in  which  each  was  distinguished,  having  the  honour  to  be 
present  I will  give  some  of  them  to  you. 

1.  The  United  States.  The  A.D.C.  was  directed  to  give  the 
Signal  for  13  Cannon  to  fire. 

2.  the  Monarch  and  Kingdom  of  France.  Ditto. 

1 Harrison  Gray,  Sylvester  Gardiner  and  James  Anderson,  who  were  all  included  in  the 
prescription  act  of  1778. 


1778] 


JL^arren  - Adams  Letters 


49 


3.  The  Congress,  the  A.D.C.  lookd  wishfully,  the  General 
Shook  his  Head.  No  Cannon  fired. 

4.  The  Army  and  Navy  of  France.  Ditto. 

5.  Genl.  Washington]  and  the  Army,  the  General  waved  the 
Signal  to  the  Aid  with  great  Earnestness.  Another  Aid  by  his 
Side  waved  his  hand  over  his  head.  13  Cannon.  A General  Shout 
and  Clap,  no  Cannon  fired  after  this  Toast.  I ventured  after- 
wards to  ask  the  General  how  it  came  to  pass  that  Congress  were 
not  treated  with  the  highest  marks  of  Respect  and  Distinction  and 
told  him  I was  sorry  to  see  the  day  when  they  were  not.  he  said 
he  had  his  Orders  and  they  were  Included  in  the  United  States. 
I told  him  I thought  Genl.  W.  and  the  Army  were;  that  I had  as 
great  a Respect  for  Genl.  W.  and  the  Army  as  any  Man,  but  if 
they  were  not  Included  also  in  the  United  States  I wished  they 
were  disbanded,  this  is  the  only  time  we  have  spoke  since  his 
return.  I leave  you  to  make  your  Comments,  and  to  say  whether 
this  was  oweing  to  no  principle,  or  to  a wish  to  distinguish  the 
Military  above  the  Civil,  or  to  Contrast  himself  with  Men  he  had 
represented  as  Inimical  to  the  General  and  Army,  but  perhaps 
you  wish  also  to  have  this  subject  dismissed  as  no  more  Interest- 
ing than  the  other. 

We  have  no  News,  prizes  are  frequently  comeing  in  and  some 
Cruisers  are  Insulting  our  Coast,  and  I think  the  French  Squadron 
too.  they  have  taken  a large  Number  of  Vessels.  The  Count  dont 
Incline  to  send  after  them,  he  has  Formed  an  Opinion  that  a 
larger  Fleet  is  on  the  Coast  and  these  are  designed  to  draw  out  a 
part  of  his  Ships  and  take  them;  but  I am  Confident  there  are 
not  more  than  three  on  the  Coast.  I want  to  know  what  you  are 
doing,  is  the  Confederation  Compleated.  are  you  takeing  any 
measures  for  the  Appreciation  of  your  Currency,  what  says 
Monsr.  Gerard  with  regard  to  the  Conduct  of  the  Squadron, 
how  stands  matters  with  Spain,  etc.,  etc.  we  have  been  Appre- 
hensive of  an  Attack  on  this  State,  but  are  now  pretty  easy  and 
generally  think  the  Enemy  are  going.  I have  received  the  money 
on  Jemmy  Otis’s  Order  and  disposed  of  it  according  to  your  Order, 
except  to  Mr.  Dana,  who  I have  not  seen  since  I received  it. 
Please  to  give  my  regards  to  your  Brethren,  perticularly  to  Mr. 


5° 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


[1778 


Gerry  and  Lovel,  and  desire  Mr.  Gerry  to  let  me  know  under  his 
own  hand  why  he  has  done  writing  to  me.  I suppose  I am  soon  to 
have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him  here  and  you  the  Mortification  of 
looseing  his  Company  and  Assistance.  I am  your  Sincere  Friend, 
etc. 

[Ao  signature .] 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  Oct.  7th,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — As  I keep  no  Copies  of  the  Letters  I write  to 
you,  and  have  been  so  Careless  as  to  keep  no  Memorandum  of 
them  I can’t  recollect  either  the  Number  or  Contents,  but  this  I 
am  certain  of,  that  they  are  both  Numerous  and  Lengthy,  and 
that  I have  not  received  a Single  Line  from  you.  This  is  equally  a 
subject  of  Complaint  among  all  your  Friends,  and  I am  to  be 
satisfied  while  I don’t  find  myself  distinguished  by  any  perticular 
marks  of  Neglect.  I don’t  write  to  the  Embassador,  or  make  any 
distinction  between  the  Embassador  and  the  Delegate  I write  to 
my  Friend  and  use  no  kind  of  Ceremony,  I leave  that  to  the  Great, 
and  the  Numerous  Courtiers  about  you,  supposeing  that  my  usual 
familiarity,  Carelessness,  and  sincerity  may  at  least  please  by  way 
of  variety.  I know  you  wish  to  be  minutely  Informed  of  the  true 
state  of  your  Native  Country,  and  I wish  I could  recollect  on  the 
short  Notice  I have  of  this  opportunity  every  thing  I can  Conceive 
would  gratify  your  Curiosity,  as  I have  but  little  time  I must 
leave  the  great  Movements  of  Congress,  and  the  General  State  of 
America  to  the  official  Letters  of  Congress,  and  those  perticular 
ones,  you  will  receive  from  your  Friends,  at  Philadelphia,  the  great 
Seat  of  Intelligence,  and  Confine  myself  pretty  much  to  our  own 
Affairs,  and  situation.  I dare  say  before  this  reaches  you,  you  will 
be  Informed  of  the  Train  of  misfortunes  that  have  attended 
Count  d Estaing’s  Squadron,  and  the  Consequent  ill  success  of  the 
second  Rhode  Island  Expedition,  since  which  the  Enemy  have 
with  their  usual  humanity  destroyed  the  Town  of  Bedford,  and 
plundered  Marthas  Vineyard  as  you  will  see  by  the  Papers  we 


1778  ] Warren -Adams  Letters  5 1 


shall  Inclose  you  per  this  opportunity.  They  have  for  some  time 
past  been  Inactive  and  still,  their  Fleet  principally  at  New  York, 
which  by  the  Addition  of  Byron’s  Squadron  now  all  arrived  is 
formidable,  not  less  than  seventeen  sail  of  the  Line  and  a Number 
of  Frigates,  with  a 6o-gun  ship  and  two  Frigates  Cruising  on  our 
Coast.  Boston  with  the  French  Fleet  now  here  has  been  supposed 
their  principal  Object,  and  I once  did  believe  they  would  attempt 
that,  and  the  destruction  of  the  Sea  Coasts  of  this  State  but  the 
Season  is  now  so  far  Advanced,  I think  they  will  not  risque  such 
an  Expedition,  besides  the  Count  has  by  fortifying  George’s  Island 
and  other  parts  of  the  Harbour  made  it  Impregnable  by  Sea.  I 
think  no  Squadron  in  Europe  could  force  their  way  into  this  Har- 
bour while  the  French  Fleet  remain  here,  and  at  this  Season  of  the 
Year  it  would  be  Madness  to  make  an  Attempt  by  Sea  when  in 
the  Bay  a Single  Night  may  prove  the  destruction  of  the  whole  of 
them.  I think  an  Attack  by  Land  equally  Improbable  because  if 
they  make  it  from  Rhode  Island  and  should  be  Able  to  penetrate 
to  this  Town,  and  not  be  Able  to  carry  it,  their  retreat  and  supplies 
would  at  least  be  very  uncertain.  The  Conjectures  of  their  future 
operations  are  various.  Most  people  think  the  Enemy  will  leave 
the  United  States,  and  we  are  now  Informed  they  have  Embarked 
twelve  Regiments  at  New  York  soon  after  the  Arrival  of  a packet 
there  from  England.  A few  days  will  decide  upon  all  our  Uncer- 
tainties. 

The  French  officers  and  Seamen  in  this  Squadron  behave  them- 
selves Extreemly  well;  they  are  indeed  the  most  peaceable,  quiet 
and  orderly  set  of  men  in  their  profession  I ever  saw,  but  there  has 
Notwithstanding  been  several  disagreable  riots  and  Quarrels  be- 
tween them  and  the  English  Sailors  here.  I believe  set  on  by  the 
Tories,  who  wish  to  blow  up  a Breeze  between  us  and  our  New 
Allies.  I wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  tell  you  that  the  Number  and 
Influence  of  the  Tories  here  were  reduced,  but  I think  they  gain 
ground  fast.  This  I Impute  to  the  Coincideing  of  the  Ambitious 
Views  of  a Certain  Gentleman  here,  with  the  wicked  and  Timour- 
ous  views  of  others.  Things  at  present  Appear  to  be  in  a strange 
way.  we  have  no  Constitution  nor  have  we  any  probability  of 
geting  one.  A Bill  for  Confiscating  the  Tories  Estates  has  had  two 


5 2 


JL^arren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


readings  in  the  House.1  I am  told  there  is  no  probability  of  its 
succeeding  on  the  third;  so  far  from  it  that  even  some  Members  on 
the  B.  Seat  have  without  reserve  Expressed  their  Sentiments  that 
they  should  be  suffered  to  return.  Tempora  Mutantur.  Our  Act 
prescribeing  an  Oath  of  Allegiance  has  had  no  Effect.2  Most  of  the 
Tories  to  whom  it  was  tendered  have  swallowed  it  without  diffi- 
culty. few  Towns  have  had  resolution  enough  to  Tender  it,  and 
where  it  has  been  Tendered  and  refused  and  the  refusers  Com- 
mitted for  Transportation,  the  Council  have  not  had  resolution 
enough  to  Carry  it  into  Execution;  so  that  while  they  Complain 
that  their  Laws  and  resolutions  are  not  Executed  they  themselves 
set  the  Example.  A Certain  Assembly  in  this  State  would  make 
a strange  Appearance  to  you,  who  have  been  acquainted  with 
vigorous  Measures  upon  the  most  steady  and  vigorous  principles. 
Mr.  John  Pickering  is  now  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. Mr.  Nath’ll  Gorham,  who  Mr.  Adams  Calls  my 
Cousin,  is  Member  for  Lunenburge  where  he  has  resided  since  the 
destruction  of  Charlestown.  Edward  Bacon  is  Member  for  Barn- 
stable, etc.,  etc.  The  Boston  Members  I presume  you  know.  I 
have  before  told  you  that  I have  no  Share  in  the  Conduct  of 
Matters.  I was  left  out  by  my  Town.  I have  given  you  the  Causes 
of  it.  When  I quit  the  Navy  Board  I shall  be  a Simple  honest 
Farmer,  and  shall  have  nothing  to  do  but  humbly  to  look  at  the 
Conduct  of  public  Men,  and  public  Measures.  Mr.  Paine  has 
never  Attended  Congress  since  you  left  us.  Mr.  Dana  is  Just  re- 
turned. Gen’l  Hancock  went  last  June,  after  he  had  taken  Care  of 
the  public  here  at  Election.  He  returned  very  soon  finding  the 
Climate  did  not  agree  with  him.  He  was  not  gone  but  about  six 
weeks.  It  used  to  agree  with  him  better  than  with  any  of  you. 
Perhaps  the  Air  in  the  President’s  Seat  is  purer  than  it  is  in  more 
humble  Stations.  After  his  return  he  went  on  the  R.  Island  Ex- 
pedition and  there  staid  Just  long  enough  to  gain  among  the 
Multitude  the  popular  Eclat,  and  then  left  it  so  soon  as  to  make 
the  more  discerning  laugh.  He  is  making  great  Entertainments 
and  figureing  away  in  a most  Magnificent  Manner.  The  Eyes  of 

1 The  act  was  not  passed  till  April  30,  1779.  Acts  and  Resolves,  v.  1056. 

2 lb.,  v.  770. 


1778] 


Warren- Adams  Letters 


53 


many  People  are  open  and  see  his  views  and  Motives,  and  some  of 
the  Judicious  think  Nothing  Necessary  but  to  veer  away  rope. 
Last  week  this  day  was  Assigned  for  the  Choice  of  Delegates. 
This  early  Assignment  was  the  policy  of  some  Men  to  strike  at 
some  of  the  present  delegates  with  more  certain  success,  and  per- 
ticularly  at  Mr.  Adams.  If  the  great  Man  fails  he  will  be  Mortified 
indeed.  Yesterday  the  House  voted  him  a Marquee  with  all  its 
furniture  and  Apparatus,  for  to  do  them  Justice  they  are  very 
respectful,  and  ready  to  gratify  him;  but  this  Vote  was  Unani- 
mously Nonconcurred  by  the  Council,  and  this  is  not  the  only 
Mortification  in  that  way.  The  Boston  and  other  frigates  have 
sent  in  a prize  they  took  since  they  left  France.  Your  Lady  will 
write  you  by  this  opportunity.  She  was  here  yesterday.  Mrs. 
Warren  is  to  dine  with  her  tomorrow.  You  will  please  to  make  My 
Respectful  Compliments  to  your  Associates  and  Believe  me  to  be 
Your  Assured  Friend,1 

J.  W. 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  October  15,  1778 

Sir,  — A Long  absence  from  your  Native  shore  would  insure  a 
Welcome  to  a line  from  me  had  I no  other  Claim  to  your  Attention. 
But  when  I can  Recur  to  former  Instances  of  Friendship  and  indul- 
gence and  in  addition  to  that  assure  you  I take  up  my  pen  in  Com- 
pliance with  the  Repeated  request  of  your  Good  Lady,  I can  sup- 
pose it  possible  that  Even  the  most  important  Negotiations  may 
for  a Moment  be  suspended. 

Nor  shall  the  Distance  or  uncertainty  of  Conveyance  which 
forbids  the  hope  of  a speedy  answer,  Check  my  inclination  to 
Converse  with  a Gentleman,  made  dear  to  me  by  the  high  style 
of  friendship  subsisting  between  him  and  the  person  who  De- 
servedly holds  the  first  place  in  my  Heart,  and  as  I have  thus  early 
mentioned  this  unshaken  patriot  I will  just  hint  to  you  that 

1 Letters  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  October  n and  14,  1778,  are  in 
Writings  of  Samuel  Adams,  iv.  68,  72. 


54 


TVarren-Adams  Letters 


[1778 


Wearied  with  the  perplexities  and  Embarrasments  of  public  life, 
sickened  by  the  Ingratitude  and  Baseness  of  Mankind,  and  sigh- 
ing for  the  felicity  of  Domestic  peace,  He  is  about  to  leave  the 
Mazy  paths  of  politics,  and  War,  and  Return  to  the  still,  unvarie- 
gated scenes  of  the  sequestered  Roof. 

I hope,  sir,  you  will  not  be  led  by  the  Contrast  which  your  own 
manner  of  Life  Exhibits,  (amidst  the  Intrigues  of  statesmen  and 
the  pleasures  of  the  Court  of  Versailles)  to  Disapprove  the  Resolu- 
tion. Were  you  now  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  you  might 
perhaps  see  Reasons  sufficient  to  lead  you  to  a similar  Determina- 
tion. But  I shall  leave  it  to  some  more  Descriptive  hand  to  Give 
you  a true  Idea  of  our  present  situation. 

A state  of  War  has  Ever  been  Deemed  unfriendly  to  Virtue,  but 
such  a total  Change  of  Manners  in  so  short  a period  I believe  was 
never  known  in  the  History  of  Man.1 

When  Rapacity  and  profusion,  pride  and  servility,  and  almost 
Every  Vice  is  Contrasted  in  the  same  Breast,  when  a society  is 
without  Virtue,  and  Government  without  Energy,  it  is  then  Neces- 
sary some  Masterly  hand  (who  Can  trace  the  sources  of  Human 
action)  should  take  the  Helm  and  New  Form  the  Characters  of 
the  people. 

When  such  a Genius  will  arise,  or  when  Contingent  Circum- 
stances will  permit  its  Exertion  must  be  left  till  He  who  Rules 
the  Empire  of  Creation  shall  by  the  Fiat  of  His  Finger  Commis- 
sion some  Agent  Endowed  to  Execute  the  Benevolent  purpose. 

But  though  such  an  Happy  Event  may  not  soon  take  place  yet 
I believe  the  Idol  which  has  been  set  up  in  Susa,  whom  all  but 
Daniel  and  the  Righteous  three  have  Fallen  Down  and  Wor- 
shipped, will  soon  prove  to  be  an  Image  of  Clay,  instead  of  pure 
Gold,  and  that  will  be  sufficient  to  Destroy  the  Adulation  paid 
the  Brittle  pageant  though  perhaps  not  to  Root  out  the  spirit  of 
Idolatry. 

It  is  probable  the  Next  you  Receive  from  Mrs.  A s will 

Give  you  an  account  of  a superb  Entertainment  made  this  Day 

1 Impressed  by  the  spirit  of  the  times  Mrs.  Warren  wrote  a poem  “On  The  Genius  of 
America  weeping  the  absurd  Follies  of  the  Day.  — October  10,  1778”  which  is  in  her 
volume  of  Poems,  246. 


1778] 


TVarren- Adams  Letters 


5 5 


by  the  Count  De  Estainge.1  Some  Domestic  Avocations  obliged 
me  to  Decline  the  Invitation  or  I should  Gladly  have  joined  the 
Little  Circle  at  Braintree,  and  made  one  of  the  party,  but  as  I had 
once  been  on  Board  the  Languedoc  I was  not  impelled  by  Curi- 
osity. With  me  the  speculative  would  have  been  the  principle 
part  of  the  Repast,  and  ample  as  is  the  Field  which  this  Connexion, 
and  the  Circumstances  leading  to  it  afford,  I thought  I might  as 
well  Enjoy  it  in  my  own  Apartment,  as  in  the  saloon  of  a Marquiss, 
or  the  state  Room  of  the  first  Count  in  France. 

The  squadrons  of  the  House  of  Bourbon,  fortifying  the  Harbour, 
Riding  in  the  port  of  Boston,  and  Displaying  the  Ensigns  of 
Harmony,  are  Events  which  though  precipitated  by  the  Folly  of 
Britain,  have  outrun  the  Expectations  of  America.  And  as  there 
has  not  yet  been  time  to  prove  the  sincerity  of  either  party,  I think 
most  of  those  officers  who  Remember  the  Late  War,  (when  we 
Huged  ourselves  in  the  protection  of  Britain)  Look  as  if  they 
Wished,  Rather  than  believed  ancient  prejudices  Obliterated,  and 
half  doubting  our  Friendship,  Reluctantly  hold  back  that  Flow  of 
affection  which  in  Reallity  we  are  ready  to  Return  in  full  Measure, 
while  the  younger  part  unconscious  of  injuries,  Discover  an 
Honest  Joy  Dancing  in  their  Eye,  and  Every  Feature  softned  by 
the  Wish  of  Mutual  Confidence,  Extend  their  arms  to  Embrace 
their  New  allies. 

I am  not  about  to  Characterize  those  Respectable  strangers 
which  appear  in  our  Capital,  I am  not  Enough  acquainted  with 
their  Language  and  Manners  to  judge  with  precision.  Yet  I think 
while  the  Errand  on  which  the  Count  De  Estainge  came  out 
Excites  our  Gratitude,  the  Dignity  of  his  aspect  Commands  our 
Respect,  and  his  Reserved  affability  (if  I may  so  Express  it) 
Heightens  our  Esteem.  But  he  is  Certainly  an  unfortunate 
officer.  I wish  he  may  yet  win  some  palm  of  Victory  before  he 
Returns  to  the  arms  of  his  sovereign. 

I have  been  in  Company  with  the  Marquiss  Lafayette  but  a 
few  Minits,  but  am  told  this  Character  Needs  not  an  American 
pencil,  having  Reached  a hight  far  beyond  his  years  before  he 
Crossed  the  Atlantic. 


I Familiar  Letters,  342. 


5& 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


Are  you,  sir,  acquainted  with  Mrs.  Holker?  A seperation  at 
such  a Distance  from  a partner  possessed  of  so  many  accomplish- 
ments must  be  very  painful.  Penetrating  and  active,  sensible  and 
judicious,  the  Consul  acquits  himself  in  the  Eye  of  the  public 
whilst  the  politeness  of  his  Manners  and  his  agreeable  Depart- 
ment insures  his  Welcome  at  Every  social  Board,  and  I Could  not 
but  Wisper  my  friend  portia  when  he  Lately  made  me  a Visit 
that  she  was  not  the  only  Lady  who  sacrificed  at  the  shrine  of 
public  utility,  the  best  blessings  of  Friendship. 

Yet  such  is  Human  Nature  that  Man  is  seldom  known  by  his 
Demeanour,  and  the  first  favorable  impression  is  too  Frequently 
Forfeited  by  Guilt  or  Indiscretion  Long  before  the  Conclusion  of 
the  Drama.  I therefore  only  Mention  two  or  three  Distinguished 
Characters  among  us  just  to  Remind  you  of  a proposal  of  your 
own  from  which  I now  Expect  to  Reap  Great  advantages. 

Are  not  the  Customs  and  Manners  of  Cotemporary  Nations 
More  Especially  if  Drawn  by  a hand  Remarkable  for  its  perspecu- 
ity,  More  Interesting  and  Entertaining  than  the  Dry  uncertain 
Narations  of  distant  ages?  The  politest  Court  in  Europe  must 
afford  Variety  indeed. 

Are  you,  sir,  as  much  in  the  Good  Graces  of  the  parissian 
Ladies  as  your  Venerable  Colligue?  We  often  hear  he  is  not  more 
an  Adept  in  politics  than  a Favorite  of  the  Fair.  He  has  too  many 
Complements  of  Gratulation  and  Esteem  from  Each  quarter  of 
the  World  to  make  it  of  any  Consequence  whither  I offer  my  Little 
tribute  of  Respect  or  not.  Yet  I would  tell  him  as  a Friend  to 
Mankind,  as  a Daughter  of  America  and  a Lover  of  Merit,  that 
no  one  more  ardently  Wishes  for  the  Continuance  of  his  Health 
Vigour  and  usefulness,  and  so  disinterested  is  my  Regard,  that  I 
do  not  wish  the  patriotic  sage  to  leave  the  soft  Caresses  of  the 
Court  of  France.  Least  his  unpolished  Countrywomen  should 
be  more  apt  to  Gaze  at  and  admire  the  Virtues  of  the  philosopher 
than  to  Embrace  the  Man. 

Every  Article  of  Intelligence  both  from  the  Field  and  the 
Cabinet  you  must  have  from  your  Numerous  Correspondents  and 
Every  Anecdote  of  Lesser  Moment  Worthy  your  Attention  you 
Receive  under  a signature  more  pleasing  than  mine. 


1778] 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


57 


But  when  you  Look  over  the  List  of  your  Friends  and  Recol- 
lect their  impatience  to  hear  from  you,  you  will  not  forget  that 
few,  very  few,  will  be  more  Gratifyed  with  the  Notices  of  your 
Welfare  or  the  Intimations  of  your  Regard,  than  Your  sincere 
and  very  Humble  Servant,1 

Marcia  Warren 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Oct.  20th,  1778 
My  dear  Sir:  — I am  much  pleasd  with  the  Respect  lately 
shown  to  the  Count  D’Estaing  and  his  Officers,  but  not  with  the 
Etiquet  of  your  publick  Entertainment.2  The  Arrangement  of 
the  Toasts  was  not  perfectly  agreable  to  my  Idea  of  Propriety. 
This  may  be  thought  unworthy  of  Notice.  But  there  is  no  Appear- 
ance made  by  the  Publick  but,  like  that  of  a private  Individual, 
adds  more  or  less  to  its  Honor  or  Disgrace.  Besides,  Things  which 
detatchd  and  by  themselves  are  justly  considerd  as  Trifles  light 
as  Air,  when  they  are  connected  with  and  made  Parts  of  a great 
Machine,  become  important  and  do  good  or  Hurt.  The  Monarch 
and  Kingdom  of  France  preceeded  the  Congress;  and  the  Army 
and  Navy  of  France  that  of  America.  Nations  and  independent 
sovereign  States  do  not  compliment  after  the  Manner  of  Belles 
and  Beaus.  The  superior  Respect  paid  to  the  General  and  Army 
of  America  to  that  shown  to  the  Congress,  viz.  by  the  Addition  of 
a feu  du  joie,  I suppose  was  conformable  to  the  Practice  of  all  wise 
States  in  giving  a just  Preference  to  the  Military  above  the  civil 


1 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  October  17,  1778,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  75. 

2 “On  Friday  last,  at  the  invitation  of  the  Government  of  this  State,  the  Count  D’ 
Estaing  and  his  officers  dined  at  Faneuil  Hall,  with  the  Honourable  Council  and  House  of 
Representatives,  the  Continental  military  officers  in  the  land  and  sea  service,  the  gentle- 
men of  the  civil  and  ecclesiastical  order,  and  a great  number  of  other  gentlemen  — it  is 
thought  not  less  than  400,  were  seated  at  once  at  the  several  tables  in  the  Hall.  The  enter- 
tainment was  splendid.  The  genuine  joy  was  never  observed  to  rise  higher  upon  any 
public  occasion;  and  the  toasts,  and  every  circumstance  thro’  the  day,  express’d  it  in  the 
most  lively  manner;  the  great  and  mutual  pleasure  diffused  by  the  present  happy  Union 
between  France  and  these  States;  which  British  tyranny  has  now  rendered  so  important 
to  the  interest  of  both  nations.”  Independent  Chronicle , October  1,  1778. 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


58 


Power.  It  must  be  confessed  it  is  grounded  on  Principles  truly 
and  altogether  Republican.  Yet  the  old  fashiond  Whiggs  murmur 
at  it;  and  with  a Mixture  of  Pleasure  and  Indignation  contrast 
the  present  with  past  Times  when  it  was  made  a Capital  Point, 
to  keep  the  former  under  the  Controul  of  the  latter.  Men  are 
prone  to  Idolatry;  and  some  who  seem  to  scorn  the  worshiping 
Gods  of  other  Nations,  will  bow  down  to  graven  Images  of  Gold 
and  Silver,  and,  strange  Infatuation!  of  Wood  in  the  form  of  an 
Ass  an  Ape  or  a Calf,  no  matter  what,  if  it  be  the  Work  of  their 
own  Hands.  In  Truth,  my  Friend,  the  Congress  appears  to  be 
in  an  awkard  Situation.  While  they  are  exerting  their  utmost 
Influence,  on  all  proper  Occasions,  to  support  the  civil  Authority 
of  the  several  States  over  the  military,  there  are  some  Men,  even 
in  that  State  which  my  Partiality  had  almost  led  me  to  pronounce 
the  most  respectable  in  the  Union  who  would  have  less  Respect 
shown  to  them  than  to  the  Creatures  which  they  have  made. 
Tyrants  have  been  the  Scourges  and  Plagues  of  Mankind,  and 
Armies  their  Instruments.  These  have  been  said  by  ignorant 
Flatterers  and  Sycophants  to  be  the  Vicegerents  of  the  Almighty 
to  punish  Men  for  their  Sins,  and  therefore  not  to  be  resisted  or 
contrould.  The  Time  may  come  when  the  Sins  of  America  may  be 
punishd  by  a standing  Army;  and  that  Time  will  surely  come  when 
the  Body  of  the  People,  shall  be  so  lost  to  the  Exercise  of  common 
Understanding  and  Caution,  as  to  suffer  the  Civil  to  stoop  to  the 
Military  Power. 

I will  finish  this  Scrawl  with  an  Anecdote.  Not  many  Days  ago 
a Sherriff  of  the  County  of  Philadelphia  attempted  to  serve  a Writ 
on  the  Person  of  the  Count  Pulaski.  He  was  at  the  Head  of  his 
Legion  and  resisted  the  Officer.  A Representation  of  it  was  made 
to  Congress  by  the  Chief  Justice  who  well  understands  his  Duty 
and  is  a Gentleman  of  Spirit.  The  Count  was  immediately  orderd 
to  submit  to  the  Magistrate,  and  informd  that  Congress  was 
determind  to  resent  any  Opposition  made  to  the  civil  Authority 
by  any  of  their  officers.1  The  Count  acted  upon  the  Principle 
of  Honor.  The  Debt  was  for  the  Support  of  his  Legion,  and  he 
thought  the  Charge  unreasonable  as  it  probably  was.  He  was 
1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xn.  974. 


1778]  JVarren -Adams  Letters 


59 


ignorant  of  the  Law  of  the  Land  and  made  the  Amend  honorable. 
The  Board  of  War  afterwards  adjusted  the  Account  and  the 
Creditor  was  satisfied.  Adieu. 

S.  A 

I intreat  you  not  to  resign  your  Seat  at  the  Navy  Board. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Octr.  25th,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir, — I received  yours  by  Mr.  Thaxter  in  safety  and 
hope  you  have  before  this  found  leisure  to  pursue  the  subject.  I 
am  fully  Convinced  that  no  Man,  let  his  Integrity  and  services  be 
ever  so  great  or  Meritorious,  is  to  Escape  free  from  the  Malignant 
and  Envious  Spirit  now  prevailing.  Doctr.  Lee  must  Expect  his 
Share,  if  it  is  not  a proper  reward  for  public  virtue,  I have  learnt 
to  Consider  it  as  a certain  mark  of  it  and  whoever  escapes  is  in 
some  degree  suspicious. 

We  have  just  received  an  Account  that  a large  Fleet  of  British 
Men  of  War  and  Transports  have  left  N.  York  and  many  People 
are  Apprehensive  they  are  comeing  this  way.  preparations  are 
makeing  to  receive  them,  for  my  own  part  I Cant  Conceive  that 
even  Britons  are  yet  so  Infatuated  as  to  risque  an  Expedition 
here  at  this  Season,  if  they  should  they  may  give  us  some  trouble 
and  probably  ruin  themselves.  One  storm  such  as  we  frequently 
have  at  this  Time  of  Year  may  gratify  our  wishes  and  leave  the 
French  perfectly  at  Liberty  to  pursue  their  Conquests  in  the  West 
Indies,  we  have  no  other  Intelligence  of  any  kind  of  Importance 
to  give  you.  the  French  Squadron  still  remain  here,  all  ready,  or 
nearly  ready,  for  the  Sea.  the  General  Court  is  adjourned  to 
January.  Most  People  are  Engaged  in  geting  and  some  in  spend- 
ing Money  as  fast  as  they  can.  superb  Entertainments  are  very 
Common.  Genl.  H[ancock]  gives  a Magnificent  Ball  to  the  French 
Officers,  and  to  the  Gentlemen  and  Ladies  of  the  Town  next 
Thursday  Evening,  indeed  all  manner  of  Extravagance  prevails 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


6o 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


here  in  dress,  furniture,  Equipage  and  Liveing,  amidst  the  distress 
of  the  public  and  Multitudes  of  Individuals,  how  long  the  Man- 
ners of  this  People  will  be  Uncorrupted  and  fit  to  Enjoy  that 
Liberty  you  have  so  long  Contended  for  I know  not.  I fear  you 
have  lost  your  Labour,  they  will  be  soon  fit  to  receive  some 
Ambitious  Master. 

we  have  had  an  Agreable  Visit  from  your  Lady  and  Daughter  at 
Plymouth.  I have  not  seen  her  since  her  return  a few  days  ago; 
she  was  then  very  well.  Inclosed  is  a Letter  for  the  President 
which  you  will  please  to  deliver,  it  contains  my  resignation  of  my 
office  at  the  Navy  Board,  perhaps  you  will  think  I do  wrong.  I 
cant  help  it.  this  Business  is  very  laborious,  requiring  close  and 
constant  Attention.  I have  no  time  to  Attend  to  my  Family  and 
private  Affairs,  subject  to  the  disagreable  Circumstance  of  liveing 
from  my  Family  and  not  in  the  most  agreable  manner,  and  besides 
all  this,  it  is  too  Expensive  for  me.  I live  very  frugally.  I Board 
very  simply,  but  that  and  my  Horsekeeping  only,  without  a 
Servant  and  any  kind  of  Elegancies,  has,  while  Board  was  fifteen 
dollars  per  week  and  under,  cost  me  about  500  dollars  more  than 
my  pay.  it  is  now  twenty  dollars  per  week,  hay  30/  per  hundred, 
this  Expense  with  the  Neglect  of  my  private  Affairs  will  ruin  me. 
the  honour  of  holding  this  place  will  not  Compensate  for  all  this 
and  the  public  will  receive  no  detriment  by  my  retirement,  you 
will  easily  find  others  Capable  of  doing  this  Business  better  than  I 
can.  when  Congress  permits  me,  I will  go  Home  and  pray  for 
your  Success.  I am  in  the  mean  Time  your  assured  Friend,  etc. 

J.  Warren 

My  regards  to  Mr.  Gerry,  Lovel  and  other  Friends. 

October  27th.  No  further  Intelligence  of  the  British  fleet,  nor 
have  we  any  News  from  any  quarter. 

I am  desired  by  Capt.  Brown,  whom  you  once  mentioned  to  me, 
to  recall  your  Attention  to  him.  he  dont  seem  to  think  there  is 
now  room  for  him  to  be  appointed  to  the  Command  of  a frigate, 
but  he  thinks  there  would  be  Advantages  from  haveing  a Super- 
intendant  Appointed,  whose  Business  it  should  be  to  superintend 


1778]  W arren- Adams  Letters 


6 1 


and  direct  the  repairs  and  fixing  the  Ships  under  the  direction  of 
the  Navy  Board,  you  will  Judge  of  the  propriety  of  such  an 
Officer,  your  Navy  here  seems  to  be  Important  enough  to  Com- 
mand your  Attention,  this  will  always  be  their  head  Quarters, 
docks  and  Yards  would  Cost  no  doubt  a great  deal  of  Money,  but 
if  Congress  could  see  how  we  are  Imposed  on,  Cheated  and  de- 
layed in  our  Business  and  Unavoidably  so,  they  perhaps  would 
think  the  Money  well  laid  out.  You  furnished  us  not  long  ago 
with  an  ample  and  generous  supply,  you  will  perhaps  be  sur- 
prised when  I tell  you  it  is  gone,  we  must  write  to  you  for  more, 
tho’  I do  it  with  reluctance,  yet  it  is  necessary,  and  we  must  be 
supplyed  without  any  kind  of  delay  or  the  whole  Business  must 
stop  at  once.  We  must  mention  other  things  to  your  Committee 
which  I beg  your  Immediate  Attention  to.  we  have  supplyed 
the  French  Squadron  to  the  Amount  of  about  130,000  dollars, 
you  are  to  Consider  there  are  in  this  harbour  six  frigates,  a 
Brigantine  and  Sloop,  a large  Ship  Building  at  Portsmouth,  two 
frigates  at  Connecticut  and  a Ship  in  Connecticut  River,  all  call- 
ing for  Money  as  fast  as  it  can  be  told,  the  truth  is  the  Money 
fetches  so  little  that  I am  sick  with  seeing  the  Bills  brought  into 
this  Office.  I cant  add  more  at  present,  haveing  our  hands  full. 
Adeu. 

We  have  done  a great  deal  of  Business  for  the  French  Squad- 
ron. when  we  rendered  our  Accounts  by  the  Advice  of  General 
Whipple,  we  charged  a Commission  of  five  per  cent,  whether 
it  will  be  admitted  or  not  I dont  know.  I rather  doubt  it,  tho’ 
we  have  earned  it.  Will  you  please  to  Seal  the  Inclosed  before 
delivery. 


James  Warren  to  the  President  of  Congress1 
[Henry  Laurens] 

Boston,  Oct.  28th,  1778 

Sir,  — I Beg  leave  to  make  my  Acknowledgements  to  Congress 
for  the  Honour  they  have  done  me  by  the  repeated  Marks  of  their 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


62 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1778 


Confidence  in  the  several  Appointments  they  have  Conferred  upon 
me.  If  anything  could  add  to  the  Zeal  with  which  I have  served 
the  publick  in  the  present  great  Contest,  and  Excite  me  to  greater 
diligence  it  would  be  the  Gratitude  I feel  on  these  occasions.  How- 
ever Circumscribed  my  Abilities  are  I have  Endeavoured  to  sup- 
ply the  want  of  greater  by  an  honest  and  assiduous  attention 
to  my  duty,  and  I flatter  myself  that  my  Exertions  have  produced 
some  Advantages  to  the  Common  Cause.  I Wish  it  was  in  my 
power  to  Continue  at  the  Navy  Board,  and  serve  the  publick  in 
that  Station  in  a way  that  would  at  once  be  honourable  and  ad- 
vantageous to  the  public  and  myself.  I have  been  Engaged  many 
Years  in  public  Service  to  the  Injury  of  my  small  Fortune  and  the 
great  disadvantage  of  my  Family.  The  Business  in  this  Depart- 
ment is  very  Extensive  and  requires  Constant  Attention  to  the 
total  Exclusion  of  the  private  Business  or  relaxation  of  the  Mem- 
bers, and  under  the  present  Circumstances  of  things  Nothing  but 
the  Solicitations  of  Gentlemen  well  affected  to  our  Cause,  and  my 
own  Inclinations  to  serve  it,  has  Induced  me  to  Continue  as  a 
Member  to  this  Time.  As  there  are  undoubtedly  Many  Gentle- 
men of  greater  Abilities,  who  in  Addition  to  my  Motives  may  have 
in  Contemplation  the  honour  and  profitt  of  this  Employment,  and 
the  public  will  receive  no  detriment  by  my  retirement,  I Beg  the 
favour  of  Congress  to  permit  me  to  resign,  Assuring  them  that 
I shall  Consider  it  my  duty  to  attend  to  the  Business  here  till 
they  have  had  an  Opportunity  to  make  a new  Appointment.  As  I 
feel  greatly  Interested  in  the  Cause  of  America,  I sincerely  wish 
Success  to  every  Department  Constituted  to  promote  it,  and 
particularly  to  the  Navy,  which  I flatter  myself  by  a Judicious 
Management  and  proper  Attention  may  soon  be  on  a footing  to 
rank  America  with  the  most  distinguished  Naval  Powers. 

I Beg  Leave  also  to  Inform  Congress  that  by  the  Integrity  and 
Honour  of  Coll.  Laomi  Baldwin  (who  Commanded  a Regiment 
when  I was  Paymaster)  I have  discovered  a considerable  part  of 
the  deficiencies  which  I could  not  then  account  for.  He  has  paid 
into  my  hands  576  dollars  which  after  long  Enquiry  he  has  been 
Able  to  Account  for  no  other  way  than  by  his  receiving  it  from  my 
office  by  mistake.  This  Money  waits  for  the  disposition  of  the 


1778] 


JV arren  - Adams  Letters 


63 


Honourable  Congress.  I shall  be  happy  in  being  fortunate  enough 
to  discover  the  remainder. 

I have  the  Honour  to  be  with  the  Greatest  Esteem  and  Respect 
Your  Excellency’s  Most  obed’t  Humble  Serv’t, 

J.  w. 

This  resignation  was  not  accepted  by  Congress,  but  at  their 
request  and  the  urgency  of  many  other  Gentlemen  the  writer  con- 
tinued to  serve  in  that  department  for  two  or  three  Years  longer.1 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Boston,  Novr.  5th,  1778 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I am  to  thank  you  for  your  favours  of  the 
17th  and  20th  of  October,  which  were  received  last  Evening.  I 
am  not  able  at  present  to  make  any  perticular  reply  to  the  Con- 
tents of  them,  can  only  say  that  your  Advice  has  always  great 
weight  with  me  and  your  Entreaties  still  more;  but  whatever 
Influence  they  might  have  had  in  this  Instance  they  came  too  late, 
my  resignation  was  sent  forward  last  week  by  Express  and  per- 
haps by  this  Time  is  handed  to  you.  I had  no  reason  to  suppose 
it  would  be  disagreable  either  to  you  or  Mr.  Gerry.  I had  hinted 
it  to  both  of  you  and  no  Objection  was  made,  however,  when  you 
are  possessed  of  my  reasons,  I am  Inclined  to  suppose  you  will 
think  it  best,  the  Business  is  Enormously  great  and  serving  on 
the  Terms  we  do  is  Injurious  to  our  Families,  not  to  mention  till 
I see  you  one  or  two  other  things. 

Mr.  Temple  will  hand  you  this,  his  Character,  his  Conduct  and 
his  Sufferings  in  Consequence  of  them  are  too  well  known  to  you 
to  require  anything  said  by  me  to  Insure  him  a handsome  recep- 
tion from  you.  I have  no  doubt  he  deserves  it.  we  have  no  news. 
I am  yours  affectionately 

J.  Warren 

1 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  November  3,  1778,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  88. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


64  JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


Elbridge  Gerry  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Novr.  8th,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I am  a little  apprehensive  that  some  of  my 
Friends  will  consider  Silence  to  their  Letters,  which  an  indifferent 
State  of  Health  and  much  Fatigue  has  for  some  Time  rendered 
inevitable,  as  an  abatement  of  Friendship,  but  conscious  of  the 
sincerest  Esteem  for  my  Friend  General  Warren  and  having  long 
experienced  his  Candour,  I flatter  myself  he  will  consider  such 
omissions,  as  they  really  are,  the  Effects  of  Necessity.  I shall 
trouble  You  with  little,  in  Answer  to  your  several  Favours  of  the 
13th  May,  7th  July,  4th  Augt.,  and  3d  Sep.  last,  as  their  early 
Dates  render  it  unnecessary.  The  marine  Commee  I presume, 
have  taken  the  proper  Steps  to  do  Justice  to  Capt.  Manly;  the 
bravery  of  this  officer  seems  not  to  be  questioned,  but  many  ap- 
pear to  Want  Confidence  in  his  Abilities  and  Experience,  and  on 
that  Ground  oppose  his  being  high  in  office:  I presume  not  to 
judge  of  their  Motives  and  Designs  on  this  Occasion,  or  without 
further  information,  of  his  Character  as  an  officer.  I am  much 
concerned  to  find,  that  You  intend  to  quit  the  Business  of  the 
navy  Board,  as  it  will  be  soon  an  important  and  respectable 
Department.  Under  the  present  State  of  Affairs  it  is  impossible 
to  do  Justice  to  the  Commissioners,  but  Congress  have  increased 
their  Salary  to  3000  Dollars  Per  Year,  perhaps  you  consider  the 
Levity  of  the  Times  as  an  Argument  for  Quitting  the  Service,  if 
so,  I will  readily  acknowledge  that  the  Vices  of  some  and  Follies 
of  others  are  very  displeasing;  but  in  a Revolution  like  the  present, 
necessarily  producing  an  entire  Change  of  the  Governments  and 
Constitutions  of  thirteen  States,  the  Suspension  of  Law  and  Jus- 
tice, the  Want  of  necessary  Arrangements  for  preventing  Frauds, 
and  the  most  favorable  Oppertunities  for  Speculators  and  In- 
grossers,  it  must  reasonably  be  expected  that  the  Morals  of  the 
people  will  be  greatly  injured,  and  for  a while,  present  a gloomy 
prospect,  but  I trust,  there  is  yet  Wisdom  and  Vertue  enough  in 
America  to  recover  her  Citizens  from  their  Errors,  and  lead  a 
brave  and  deserving  People  into  paths  conducive  to  their  Happi- 
ness. true  it  is  the  Work  is  arduous,  And  it  is  equally  true,  that 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


65 


1778] 


it  is  necessary;  for  should  We  exceed  in  Power  and  Wealth  every 
Empire  on  Earth,  and  neglect  the  Morals  of  the  People,  is  it  not 
evident,  that  our  Independance,  instead  of  Freedom  would  pro- 
duce a Slavery,  far  exceeding  that  of  every  other  Nation?  If  the 
best  and  ablest  Friends  of  America,  who  under  providence  have 
opposed  the  corrupt  Arts,  not  less  than  the  powerful  Arms  of  G. 
Britain,  will  unite  in  checking  the  Career  of  Vanity,  Vice  and 
Folly,  the  Leaders  of  this  feeble  Train  will  vanish  at  the  Appear- 
ance of  Opposition,  and  leave  the  Way  clear  to  the  promotion  of 
the  opposite  Virtues;  but  if  on  the  other  Hand,  those  on  whom  We 
have  principally  relied,  should  suffer  themselves  to  be  disgusted 
at  the  natural  appearance  of  Bubbles  on  the  mighty  Ocean  of  our 
affairs,  and  withdraw  from  the  Service,  I fear  that  our  Liberties, 
like  such  shortlived  phaenomenons  will  burst,  and  leave  not  be- 
hind, a Trace  of  their  former  existence. 

I know  that  You  have  had  much  Fatigue  and  Tryal,  and  met 
with  many  Things  that  are  very  disagreable.  I assure  You  that 
We  have  had  a full  Share  of  these  in  Congress;  I most  ardently 
wish  to  return  to  my  native  Country,  and  co-operate  with  my 
Friends  in  their  salutary  Measures,  pray  confer  with  our  Friend 
Mr.  Dana,  on  these  affairs,  as  I am  persuaded  he  can  inform  You 
of  many  Things  which  will  assist  You  in  pursuing  the  necessary 
Measures.  . . . 

E.  Gerry 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

My  dear  Sir,  — I have  receivd  your  favor  of  the  7 October 
by  Mr.  Dod.  I cannot  say  that  I am  by  any  Means  pleasd  with 
the  inclosd  Letter  to  [Congress].1  I am  glad  however  that  you 
allowd  me  the  Perusal  of  it  before  its  Presentation.  I consider 
the  Confidence  you  place  in  me  in  this  Instance  as  sufficient  to 
warrant  me  in  delaying  to  deliver  it,  till  I shall  hear  further  from 
you,  which  I will  accordingly  do  in  hopes  that  you  will  alter  your 
Determination. 


1 His  letter  of  resignation,  p.  61,  supra. 


66 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


We  now  begin  to  hope  for  Peace  soon  on  our  own  Terms;  or  if 
the  War  should  continue  longer,  that  it  will  be  conducted  in  such  a 
Manner  as  will  render  a large  Army  less  necessary,  which  will 
enable  us  to  be  at  greater  Expence  for  an  American  Navy;  the 
building  up  of  which  is  looked  upon  by  all  wise  and  good  Men 
whom  I converse  with  as  necessary  and  highly  important.  Gen- 
eral Whipple  is  again  returnd  to  Congress;  and  as  he  is  a Man  of 
Sense  and  great  Experience  in  Marine  Affairs,  and  was  formerly 
of  the  Marine  Comtee.  I was  sollicitous  that  he  should  again  be  of 
the  Number.1  Congress  have  added  him  to  the  Committee,  and  I 
hope  he  will  act  as  Chairman  during  the  Absence  of  Colo.  Lee  who 
is  gone  to  Virginia.  From  several  Hints  which  Genl.  W.  has 
dropd  to  me,  I am  in  Hopes  that  Measures  will  be  come  into 
which  may  add  Weight  to  your  Board  and  facilitate  the  Business 
of  it. 

The  Navy  Boards,  especially  that  in  the  Eastern  Department 
where  it  is  probable  there  will  constantly  be  a great  Resort  of  our 
Ships  of  War,  will  be  standing  Boards,  and  of  the  greatest  Im- 
portance to  the  United  States.  The  best  Men  must  fill  those 
Places. 

I will  not,  least  you  should  think  me  indelicate,  add  more  on 
this  Subject,  than  my  earnest  Request  that  you  will  for  the  present 
suspend  your  Resignation. 

I am  glad  that  you  have  discoverd  the  Mistake  you  mention,2 
and  will  communicate  it. 

The  Picture,  my  dear  Friend,  which  you  give  me  of  my  beloved 
Native  town  mortifies  me  greatly.  I had  the  Vanity  to  think  she 
would  afford  Examples  of  Industry,  Frugality,  Temperance  and 
other  publick  Virtues.  I fear  with  you  that  we  have  lost  our 
Labour.  When  ambitious  Men  aim  at  establishing  a Popularity 
by  confounding  the  Distinction  between  Virtue  and  Vice  and 
through  the  Degeneracy  of  Times  they  can  effect  it,  the  People 
will  tamely  submit  to  a Master.  Adieu. 

[No  signature.} 

Philada.,  Novr.  9th,  1778. 

1 He  was  appointed  on  the  Committee  November  6,  in  place  of  Josiah  Bartlett,  absent. 

2 In  his  accounts. 


1778] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


67 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philada.,  Novr.  23,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I have  lately  receivd  a Letter  from  our 
worthy  Friend  Mr.  J.  A[dams]  of  an  old  Date,  the  21st  of  May. 
“Our  Affairs  says  he  in  this  Kingdom,  I find  in  a State  of  Confu- 
sion and  Darkness  that  surprizes  me.  Prodigious  Sums  of  Money 
have  been  expended  and  large  Sums  are  still  due;  but  there  are  no 
Books  of  Accounts  nor  any  Documents  from  whence  I have  been 
able  to  learn  what  the  United  States  have  receivd  as  an  Equiva- 
lent.” And  yet  we  are  told  by  a Gentleman  lately  from  France 
that  the  Accounts  and  Documents  were  left  in  the  Hands  of  a 
Person  in  Paris.  My  Friend  A.  L[ee]  is  called  by  those  who  dread 
his  Vigilance  “a  dissatisfied  Man.”  Having  receivd  many  Letters 
from  him  since  I last  saw  you,  I know  he  is  dissatisfied.  What 
Man  who  regards  the  Publick  Interest,  or  his  own  Reputation, 
can  be  satisfied,  when  he  sees  Millions  of  Livres  spent,  himself 
accountable  with  others  for  the  Expenditure,  and  the  Man 
through  whose  hands  the  greatest  Part  has  passd  without  con- 
sulting him  after  being  repeatedly  called  upon  by  him,  unready 
or  unwilling  to  account  for  them.  There  are  other  Things  which 
my  Friend  complains  of,  and  I think  not  without  Justice.  When 
I consider  the  high  Character  which  one  Man  sustains  and  the 
Depth  cf  Art  which  he  is  Master  of;  the  low  mercantile  Cunning 
and  plausibility  of  another,  the  servile  and  adulating  Disposition 
of  some  on  this  side  of  the  Water,  the  Commercial  Interests  and 
Connections  of  others,  and  the  too  formidable  Combination  of 
Men  of  Ambition,  Avarice  and  Vanity,  to  sacrifice  the  Characters 
of  those  whose  Conduct  is  a perpetual  Remonstrance  against  them 
I cannot  say  I am  without  Apprehensions  of  what  may  befall 
that  eminent  American  Patriot.  I fear  America  is  too  unsuspect- 
ing long  to  continue  free.  Men  of  corrupt  Principles,  who  seek  to 
accumulate  Honor  and  Wealth  to  themselves,  to  the  Prejudice  of 
the  Publick,  will  endeavor  to  lull  the  People  into  Security,  or, 
as  they  will  call  it,  perfect  good  Humour,  that  they  may  not  keep 
a vigilant  Eye  over  them.  It  is  the  Right  of  the  People  which 
they  ought  to  exercise,  a Duty  which  they  owe  to  their  Posterity 


68  IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


to  think  and  speak  and  publish  with  a decent  Freedom,  their 
Sentiments  of  publick  Men  and  Measures.  Adieu. 

Deer.  9.  The  foregoing  I had  laid  aside,  and  probably  should 
never  have  forwarded  it  to  you,  had  not  an  extraordinary  Peice 
appeard  in  the  last  Saturday’s  paper  signd  S.  Dean,  in  which  he 
avows  himself  to  be  the  Author  of  the  Queries  I sent  you  a few 
Weeks  ago.  I believe  you  will  find  the  Plausibility  of  this  Per- 
formance, which  I shall  inclose,  to  be  answerable  to  a Character 
I have  given  you  in  the  Letter  above.  He  “had  the  Honor  to  be 
the  Commercial  and  political  Agent  of  America  in  Europe.” 
He  might  have  said  more  justly  that  he  had  the  Honor  of  being 
employd  by  the  secret  Committee  of  Commerce  as  their  Agent, 
and  by  the  secret  Committee  of  Correspondence  as  their  Intelli- 
gencer. Mr.  A Lee  he  says  “having  by  a wanton  Display  of  his 
Errand,  given  great  and  just  Cause  of  Disgust  to  the  Court  of 
Spain,  returnd.”  I will  relate  to  you  certain  Matters  which  may 
explain,  if  that  Court  was  disgusted  with  him  as  Mr.  Djeane] 
asserts,  how  it  came  to  pass  Soon  after  the  secret  Committee  was 
appointed,  which  if  I remember  rightly  was  about  three  years  ago, 
they  wrote  a Letter  to  Mr.  Lee  then  in  England,  requesting  a 
political  Correspondence  with  him,  and  desiring  he  would  give 
them  the  best  Intelligence  he  could,  and  pledging  to  him  their 
Confidence.  Mr.  Lee  being  thus  honord,  in  Mr.  Dean’s  Sense,  as  a 
political  Agent  of  America , and  having  the  solemn  Assurance  of 
Confidence  and  Secrecy,  with  his  usual  fidelity  and  as  became  him 
in  that  Character,  proceeded  with  unsuspecting  Frankness  to 
open  to  the  Committee  what  he  thought  as  well  as  what  he  knew 
of  Men  and  Measures.  There  was  at  that  time  in  England  a Mr. 
Carmichael,  who  is  lately  arrivd  in  America  and  since  appointed 
a Delegate  in  Congress  for  the  State  of  Maryland.  Mr.  Lee  had  a 
good  opinion  of  this  young  Gentleman;  and  he  being  at  that  time 
about  to  return  hither  by  the  Way  of  France,  Mr.  Lee  thought  him 
a safe  hand,  and  entrusted  him  with  Dispatches  to  the  secret 
Committee.  His  Letter  was  written  on  the  inner  Sides  of  the 
Outside  Leaves  of  a small  pocket  Dictionary,  and  so  neatly  closd 
to  the  Covers  as  not  to  afford  the  least  Suspicion  if  it  should  meet 


1778] 


barren  - Adams  Letters 


69 


with  the  Fate  of  being  taken  by  the  Enemy.  Mr.  Carmichael 
took  the  Dictionary  and  went  over  to  France  where  he  remaind 
till  his  late  Embarkation  for  Portsmouth  at  which  place  he  arrivd 
last  Summer.  In  France  he  met  with  Mr.  Dean.  The  Letter  was 
opend!  Who  probably  committed  this  Act,  Mr.  Dana  can  in- 
form you  as  well  as  I can.  To  him  I refer  you.  I desire  you  would 
ask  him  and  if  you  please  let  him  know  that  I desire  it  of  you.  He 
can  tell  you  more  than  I chuse  to  trust  in  writing.  I hope  you  are 
by  this  time  become  confidential  with  him.  But  this  is  Digression. 
I have  seen  the  Letter.  It  is  dated  the  3d  of  June,  ’76. 1 There  are 
containd  in  it  free  Sentiments  of  the  Minister  of  Spain,  but  such 
as  a Man  of  Mr.  Lee’s  Integrity  could  not  withhold  from  the 
Committee.2  Such  Intelligence,  I must  say,  being  thus  pyrated, 
Such  Secrets  betrayd,  Judge  who  “wantonly  displayd  his  Errand,” 
and  by  whose  Means  the  Court  of  Spain  saw  Cause  to  distrust 
Arthur  Lee,  if  they  did  distrust  him.  I say  if  they  did  distrust 
him,  because  I doubt  the  Fact.  If  they  restricted  him  to  the  City 
of  Burgos,  as  Mr.  Dean  says,  I rather  think  it  was  owing  to  the 
Caution  of  that  Court,  least  she  should  too  early  offend  the  Court 
of  London  by  giving  Countenance  to  an  American  Commissioner. 

Mr.  Dean  says,  “At  this  Place  (Berlin)  he  (A.  L[ee])  was  so 
unfortunate  as  to  do  nothing,  unless  indeed  he  may  give  the 
Name  of  Business  to  the  Loss  of  his  Papers,”  by  which  a Discov- 
ery was  made  of  the  Secrets  of  his  Colleagues  and  the  British 
Ministry  enabled  to  counteract  the  Measures  taken  for  the  Bene- 
fit of  America.  The  Anecdote  is  this.  In  Berlin,  Mr.  Lee  being 
invited  and  dining  abroad,  the  British  Envoy  found  Means  to  get 
his  Closet  and  his  Trunk  forcd  open  and  his  Papers  were  pilferd. 
But  Mr.  Lee  having  Intelligence  of  it,  immediately  made  Appli- 
cation to  the  Minister  of  Berlin  and  by  his  Interposition  the 
Papers  were  returnd;  as  I am  informd  in  a few  Hours.3  Mr.  Dean 
designs  to  hold  up  my  worthy  Friend  in  this  Instance  as  careless 
of  the  Secrets  of  his  Colleagues.  But  what  Security  is  there 
against  the  Rape  of  the  Lock?  This  indeed  is  the  second  Instance 


1 Revolutionary  Diplomatic  Correspondence  (Wharton),  n.  95. 

2 “Spain  is  more  reserved;  her  minister  here  an  old  woman.” 

3 Revolutionary  Diplomatic  Correspondence  (Wharton),  11.  351. 


7° 


IVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


of  his  losing  his  Papers.  The  first  by  the  Behaviour  of  the  Person 
to  whom  he  had  regularly  committed  them,  for  which  I will  not 
now  give  a Name;  and  the  other  by  the  Theft  of  a British  Minister. 
If  he  had  been  as  fortunate  in  the  early  discovery  of  the  one  as 
the  other,  Mr.  Dean  might  allow  “the  Name  of  Business”  to  be 
given,  if  not  to  the  Loss  of  his  Papers,  to  his  Activity  and  Address 
in  recovering  them. 

It  is  pleasant  to  see  Mr.  Dean  indulging  his  Talent  in  Insinua- 
tion to  lead  his  Readers  to  conclude  that  A.  L[ee]  was  secretly  in- 
triguing with  the  British  Ministry  and  thereby  embarrassing  our 
Affairs  in  France.  His  Acquaintance  with  the  Earl  of  Shelburne 
who  had  formerly  been  his  Patron  in  England,  was  the  Ground  of 
Suspicion  of  his  disclosing  our  Secrets;  “joynd  to  his  undisguisd 
Hatred  and  Expressions  of  Contempt  of  the  french  Nation  in 
General.” 

I have  good  Grounds  to  be  satisfied  from  a Conversation  I have 
had  with  a Great  Man  who  ought  to  be  and  undoubtedly  is  per- 
fectly acquainted  with  the  French  Court,1  that  Mr.  L[ee]  is  thought 
of  there  differently  from  what  Mr.  Dean  would  have  the  People 
here  think  of  him,  and  that  the  Insinuation  “ that  he  had  given  uni- 
versal Disgust  to  the  Nation  whose  Assistance  we  sollicited”  is 
void  of  any  just  Foundation.  But  so  long  ago  as  “in  the  Summer 
of  1 777  a Correspondence  between  a certain  Dr.  Berkenhout  and 
the  Hon  Arthur  Lee  Esq  took  place.”  Aye,  and  it  was  “on  politi- 
cal Subjects.”  If  Mr.  L[ee]  had  left  it  to  be  discoverd  by  the 
Sagacity  of  others  that  there  was  such  a Correspondence  between 
him  and  Dr.  Berkenhout  and  that  Dr.  B.  was  in  the  Confidence  of 
the  British  Ministry,  Mr.  Dean  might  have  supposd  there  were 
Grounds  to  suspect  Mr.  L[ee]’s  Integrity;  but  unfortunately  Mr. 
Lee  told  it  himself  to  his  Colleagues  and  related  to  them  a Part 
of  the  Correspondence.  Mr.  Djeane]  would  here  insinuate  as  he 
did  in  his  Queries  that  it  was  a criminal  Correspondence.  But  if 
it  has  been,  would  Mr.  Lee  have  exposd  himself  to  Mr.  Dean? 
The  Man  whom  he  conceivd  to  be  his  mortal  Enemy?  Surely  not. 
A wise  Minister  will  endeavor  to  possess  himself  of  the  secret 
Designs  of  the  publick  Enemy.  This  is  done  by  a Variety  of 

1 Gerard,  the  French  Minister. 


1778] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


7 1 


Means.  Mr.  Lee  corresponds  with  Dr.  Berkenhout  (as  Mr.  Dean 
says)  a Confident  of  the  British  Ministry.  A shortsighted  Politi- 
cian believes  or  a prejudicd  and  designing  Man  insinuates  that  it 
is  a Criminal  Correspondence.  If  it  was  so,  Why  was  not  Mr. 
D[eane],  who  knew  it  in  the  Summer  of  1777,  so  faithful  as  to 
acquaint  his  Constituents,  the  Congress,  of  it?  To  have  done  this 
would  have  shown  the  Appearance  of  Fidelity.  He  relates  a 
Story  and  as  he  says  himself  “simply”  thus.  “A  Gentleman  of 
Character  told  me  that  his  Correspondent  in  England”  etc. 
(See  the  3 Collumn  of  his  piece.)  Who  this  Gentleman  of  Charac- 
ter is,  and  who  the  Correspondent  in  England , it  was  needless  to 
tell  us;  but  we  learn  that  in  Mr.  D[eane]’s  Opinion  a Gentleman  of 
Character  may  have  an  English  Correspondent.  This  Correspond- 
ent informd  this  Gentleman  of  Character,  and  because  Mr.  Dean 
tells  us  so,  it  is  sufficient  for  us  faithfully  to  believe  it  and  damn 
Dr.  Lee’s  Character.  But  I fear  I have  tired  your  Patience. 
Adieu.  [Ao  signature  \ 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Passy,  Deer.  2,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — Last  Night,  I reed,  your  Letter  of  Octr.  7th  by 
a Special  Messenger  from  M.  De  Sartine,  who  writes  me  that  he 
knows  not  how  where  nor  by  whom  it  arrived.  I mention  this  that 
it  may  Serve  as  an  Answer  in  some  Measure  to  the  Complaint  in 
your  Letter,  that  neither  you  nor  my  other  Friends  have  heard 
from  me.  I have  wrote  very  often,  to  you  and  them  but  there  is 
Strange  Management  with  Letters  and  most  that  We  write  are 
sunk  in  the  Sea. 

I sincerely  grieve  for  my  Country  in  the  News  that  you  are  not 
of  either  House.  But  it  is  some  Comfort  to  me  to  think  that  I 
shall  be  soon  a private  Farmer,  as  well  as  you,  and  both  pursueing 
our  Experiments  in  Husbandry.  The  longer  I live  and  the  more  I 
see  of  public  Men,  the  more  I wish  to  be  a private  one.  Modesty 
is  a Virtue,  that  can  never  thrive,  in  public.  Modest  Merit!  is 
there  such  a Thing  remaining  in  public  Life?  It  is  now  become  a 


7 2 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


Maxim  with  some,  who  are  even  Men  of  Merit,  that  the  World 
esteems  a Man  in  Proportion  as  he  esteems  himself,  and  are 
generally  disposed  to  allow  him,  to  be  what  he  pretends  to  be. 
Accordingly,  I am  often  astonished  at  the  Boldness  with  which 
Persons  make  their  Pretensions,  a Man  must  be  his  own  Trump- 
eter, he  must  write  or  dictate  Paragraphs  of  Praise  in  the  News 
Papers,  he  must  dress,  have  a Retinue,  and  Equipage,  he  must 
ostentatiously  publish  to  the  World  his  own  Writings  with  his 
Name,  and  must  write  even  some  Panegyrics  upon  them,  he  must 
get  his  Picture  drawn,  his  Statue  made,  and  must  hire  all  the 
Artists  in  his  Turn,  to  set  about  Works  to  spread  his  Name  make 
the  Mob  stare  and  gape,  and  perpetuate  his  Fame.  I would 
undertake,  if  I could  bring  my  Feelings  to  bear  it,  to  become  one 
of  the  most  trumpeted,  admired,  courted,  worship’d  Idols  in  the 
whole  World  in  four  or  five  Years.  I have  learned  the  whole  Art, 
I am  a perfect  Master  of  it.  I learnd  a great  deal  of  it  from 
Hutchinson  and  the  Tories,  and  have  learned  more  of  it  since 
from  Whigs  and  Tories  both,  in  America  and  Europe,  if  you  will 
learn  the  Art  I will  teach  you. 

I have  not  yet  begun  to  practice  this,  there  is  one  Practice 
more  which  I forget.  He  must  get  his  Brothers,  Cousins,  Sons  and 
other  Relations  into  Place  about  him  and  must  teach  them  to 
practice  all  the  same  Arts  both  for  them  selves  and  him.  He  must 
never  do  any  Thing  for  any  Body  who  is  not  his  Friend,  or  in  other 
Words  his  Tool. 

What  I am  going  to  say,  will  be  thought  by  many  to  be  practic- 
ing upon  some  of  the  above  Rules.  You  and  I have  had  an  ugly 
Modesty  about  Us,  which  has  despoyld  Us  of  almost  all  our  Im- 
portance. We  have  taken  even  Pains  to  conceal  our  Names,  We 
have  delighted  in  the  shade,  We  have  made  few  Friends,  no  Tools, 
and  what  is  worse  when  the  Cause  of  Truth,  Justice,  and  Liberty 
have  demanded  it  We  have  even  Sacrificed  Those  who  called 
themselves  our  Friends  and  have  made  Enemies. 

No  Man  ever  made  a great  Fortune  in  the  World,  by  pursuing 
these  Maxims.  We  therefore  do  not  expect  it,  and  for  my  own 
Part  I declare,  that  the  Moment,  I can  get  into  Life  perfectly 
private,  will  be  the  happiest  of  my  Life. 


1778] 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


73 


The  little  Art  and  the  less  Ambition  with  which  I see  the  World 
full  disgusts  and  shocks  me  more  and  more.  And  I will  abandon 
it  to  its  Course,  the  Moment  I can  do  it  with  Honour  and  Con- 
science. 

Remember  me,  Sir,  in  the  most  respectfull  Manner  to  your 
good  Lady,  whose  Manners,  Virtues,  Genius,  and  Spirit  will 
render  her  immortal,  notwithstanding  the  general  Depravity. 
I am,  her  and  your  Friend, 

John  Adams 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Passy,  December  5,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — On  the  twenty  first  of  May,  I wrote  you  a very 
long  letter  upon  the  subject  of  foreign  affairs  in  general,  and 
particularly  in  this  Country:  on  the  twenty  eighth  of  July,  I wrote 
you  another  very  lengthy  letter,  on  the  seventh  of  August  I wrote 
you  again,  in  answer  to  yours  of  21  June,  on  the  27  of  November  I 
wrote  you  again.  I hope  some  of  these  letters  have  reached  you, 
but  so  many  vessells  have  been  taken  that  I fear  some  have  mis- 
carried. 

I wish  I could  unbosom  myself  to  you,  without  Reserve,  con- 
cerning the  state  of  our  affairs  here.  But  you  know  the  Danger. 
The  two  Passions,  of  Ambition  and  Avarice,  which  have  been  the 
Bane  of  Liberty,  and  the  great  Curse  of  human  kind  in  all  ages  and 
countries,  are  not  without  their  Influence  upon  our  affairs  here. 
But  I fancy  the  last  of  the  two,  has  done  the  most  Mischief. 
Where  the  Carcas  is,  there  the  Crows  will  assemble,  and  you  and  I 
have  had  too  much  Experience  of  the  Greediness,  with  which  the 
Continental  Treasury  has  been  aimed  at  by  many,  to  expect  that 
the  Coffers  of  the  American  Banker  here,  would  not  make  some 
Mens  Mouths  water.  This  appetite  for  the  Bankers  Treasures 
I take  to  have  been  the  source  of  most  of  the  Altercations  and  Dis- 
sentions  that  have  happened  here.  Your  old  Friend 1 1 take  to  be  a 
Man  of  Honour  and  Integrity,  yet  to  be  very  frank  he  cannot 

1 Arthur  Lee. 


74 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


easily  govern  his  Temper,  and  he  has  some  Notions  of  Elegance, 
Rank  and  Dignity,  that  may  be  carried  rather  too  far.  He  has 
been  of  opinion  that  the  public  Money  has  been  too  freely  issued 
here,  and  has  often  opposed.  The  other  1 you  knew  personally, 
and  that  he  loves  his  ease,  hates  to  offend,  and  seldom  gives  any 
opinion  untill  obliged  to  do  it.  I know  also,  and  it  is  necessary 
you  should  be  informed  that  he  is  overwhelmed  with  a Corre- 
spondence from  all  quarters,  most  of  them  upon  trifling  subjects, 
and  in  a mere  trifling  style;  with  unmeaning  visits  from  Multi- 
tudes of  People  chiefly  from  the  vanity  of  having  it  to  say  they 
have  seen  him. 

There  is  another  thing  which  I am  obliged  to  mention.  There 
are  so  many  private  Families  Ladies  and  Gentlemen  that  he  visits 
so  often  and  they  are  so  fond  of  him  that  he  cannot  well  avoid  it 
and  so  much  Intercourse  with  Accademicians,  that  all  these  things 
together  keep  his  mind  in  such  a constant  State  of  Dissipation 
that  if  he  is  left  alone  here,  the  public  Business  will  suffer  in  a 
degree  beyond  description,  provided  our  affairs  are  continued 
upon  the  present  footing. 

If  indeed  you  take  out  of  his  hands  the  public  Treasury,  and  the 
Direction  of  the  Frigates  and  continental  Vessells  that  are  sent 
here,  and  all  Commercial  affairs,  and  intrust  them  to  Persons  to  be 
appointed  by  Congress,  at  Nantes  and  Bourdeaux,  I should  think 
it  would  be  best  to  leave  him  here  alone,  with  such  a Secretary  as 
you  can  confide  in. 

But  if  he  is  left  here  alone,  even  with  such  a secretary,  and  all 
maritime  and  commercial  as  well  as  political  affairs,  and  money 
matters  are  left  in  his  hands  I am  perswaded  that  France  and 
America  both  will  have  Reason  to  repent  it.  He  is  not  only  so 
indolent,  that  Business  will  be  neglected;  but  you  know  that  altho’ 
he  has  as  determined  a soul  as  any  Man,  yet  it  is  his  constant 
Policy  never  to  say  Yes  or  No  decidedly  but  when  he  cannot 
avoid  it,  and  it  is  certain  in  order  to  preserve  the  Friendship  be- 
tween the  two  Countries  the  Minister  here  must  upon  some  occa- 
sions speak  freely  and  without  Reserve,  preserving  Decency  and 
Politeness  at  the  same  time.  Both  he  and  his  Colleague,2  who  is  or 
I Benjamin  Franklin.  2 Silas  Deane. 


1778]  TVarren- Adams  Letters  75 


has  been  lately  with  you,  were,  I am  sorry  to  say  in  a constant 
opposition  to  your  old  Friend,  and  this  Misunderstanding  was  no 
secret,  at  Court,  in  the  City,  or  in  the  seaport  Towns,  either  to 
French,  English  or  Americans,  and  this  was  carried  so  far,  that 
Insinuations,  I have  been  told  have  been  made  at  Court,  against 
your  old  Friend,  not  by  either  of  his  Colleagues,  that  I know  of, 
but  by  somebody  or  other,  emboldened  by  and  taking  advantage 
of  the  Misunderstanding  among  the  three,  that  he  was  too  friendly 
to  the  English,  too  much  attached  to  Lord  Shelborne,  and  even 
that  he  corresponded  with  his  Lordship  and  communicated  Intelli- 
gence to  him. 

This,  whoever  suggested  it,  was  I am  perfectly  confident,  a 
cruel  Calumny,  and  could  not  have  made  an  Impression  if  the 
Colleagues  had  contradicted  it  in  the  manner  that  you  and  I 
should  have  done.  You  and  I had  opportunity  to  know  his 
invariable  attachment  to  our  Cause,  long  enough  before  Hostili- 
ties commenced,  and  I have  not  a Colour  of  Ground  for  Suspicion, 
that  from  that  time  to  this  he  has  deviated  an  Iota  from  the  Cause 
of  our  Country  in  Thought,  Word  or  Deed.  When  he  left  England 
or  soon  after,  he  wrote  a Letter  of  mere  Compliment  to  his  Lord- 
ship,  a mere  card  to  bid  him  farewell,  and  received  such  another 
in  return  which  he  assures  me  are  all  the  letters  that  ever  passed 
between  them,  and  I have  not  a doubt  of  the  Truth  of  it. 

The  other  Gentleman,1  whom  you  know,  I need  not  say  much  of. 
You  know  his  ambition,  you  know  his  Desire  of  making  a Fortune, 
of  promoting  his  Relations,  you  also  know  his  Art,  and  his  Enter- 
prize.  Such  Characters  are  often  useful,  altho  always  to  be 
carefully  watched  and  controuled,  especially  in  such  a Govern- 
ment as  ours. 

There  has  been  so  much  said  among  Americans  here  and  in 
America,  about  his  making  a Fortune,  by  speculating  in  English 
Funds,  and  by  private  Trade,  that  it  is  saying  nothing  new  to 
mention  it.  Our  Countrymen  will  naturally  like  to  know  if  it  is 
true,  and  it  will  be  expected  of  me  that  I should  say  something  of 
it.  I assure  you  I know  nothing  about  it.  An  intimate  Friend  of 
his,  who  recommended  the  Major  to  you,  certainly  speculated 

1 Silas  Deane. 


76  Warren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


largely  in  the  Funds,  and  some  Persons  suspect  that  the  other  was 
concerned  with  him.  But  I know  of  no  Proof  that  he  was. 

Combinations,  Associations,  Copartnerships  in  Trade,  have 
been  formed  here,  in  which  he  and  his  Brothers  are  or  have  been 
supposed  to  be  connected,  but  I know  nothing  more  than  you  do 
about  them. 

But  supposing  it  was  proved  that  he  speculated  and  traded,  the 
Question  will  arise  whether  it  was  justifiable.  Neither  you  nor  I 
should  have  done  it,  it  is  true;  But  if  he  did  not  employ  the  public 
Money,  nor  so  much  of  his  own  Time,  as  to  neglect  the  public 
Business,  where  is  the  Harm?  That  is  the  Question,  and  it  ought 
to  be  remembered  that  he  was  here  a long  time,  not  as  Ambassa- 
dor, Envoy,  Commissioner  or  Minister,  or  in  any  other  Trust  or 
Character  from  Congress,  but  merely  as  an  Agent  for  the  Com- 
mittees of  Commerce  and  Correspondence. 

Some  of  the  Gentlemen  of  Character,  who  are  now  in  America, 
from  this  Country,  particularly  the  Minister  and  Consul,  altho 
their  Characters  are  very  good,  it  is  to  be  feared  have  had  Preju- 
dices insinuated  into  them  against  your  old  Correspondent.  I am 
extremely  sorry  for  this,  because  I think  it  is  against  a worthy 
Character,  and  because  it  will  be  likely  to  have  unhappy  Effects 
both  with  you  and  abroad. 

The  other  Gentleman,  whose  Consolation  when  left  out  by  his 
first  Constituents  was  that  he  stood  well  with  the  Body  to  which 
he  was  sent,  consoled  himself  also  when  recalled  by  that  Body, 
with  the  Thought  that  he  was  esteemed  by  the  Court  where  he 
had  resided.  This  no  doubt,  will  be  displayed  in  all  its  variegated 
Colours.  The  Letter  from  the  Minister,  expressing  high  Esteem, 
the  Present  from  an  higher  Personage,  and  above  all,  the  Fleet, 
and  the  Magnificence  that  accompanied,  will  be  all  repeated,  and 
rung  in  Changes,  in  order  to  magnify  Merit.  Yet  I am  sorry  to 

see  in  your  News  Papers  such  expressions  as  these  Mr. “who 

was  the  principal  Negotiator.”  Such  expressions  if  true  ought 
not  to  be  used,  because  they  have  only  a tendency  to  occasion 
Division  and  Animosity,  and  cannot  do  any  Good.  But  there  is 
cause  to  doubt  the  Justice  of  them.  In  short  I think  upon  an 
Examination  of  the  Treaties  and  a Comparison  of  them,  with  the 


1778] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


77 


Treaties  and  Instructions  sent  from  Congress,  I think  it  is  plain 
that  there  was  not  much  Negociation  or  Discussion  in  the  Case. 
I wish  with  all  my  Heart  there  had  been  more. 

This  letter  is  not  so  free  as  I wish  to  write  to  you,  but  still  it  is 
too  free,  to  be  used  without  Discretion.  You  will  use  it  accord- 
ingly only  for  the  public  Good.  Knowing  the  animosity  that  has 
been  in  two  against  one  here,  which  I believe  to  have  been  carried 
unwarrantable  Lengths,  knowing  the  Inveteracy  of  many  Sub- 
altern and  Collateral  Characters,  which  I think  is  injurious  to  the 
Individual  as  well  as  the  public,  and  knowing  that  you  have  these 
things,  and  will  have  them  in  Contemplation,  and  much  at  Heart 
I have  said  thus  much  of  my  sentiments  upon  these  subjects, 
which  I hope  will  do  no  harm. 

Believe  me  to  be  your  Friend, 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Deer.  8th,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I have  only  time  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  several  favours  of  the  3d  and  9th  of  Novr.  and  likewise  of 
the  Curious  Extracts  per  M.  Dod  and  others.  I am,  as  usual, 
much  obliged  to  you  for  three  favours,  but  as  the  Gratifying  one 
Curiosity  frequently  Excites  another,  I wish  to  know  how  these 
Accounts  have  Operated  at  Philadelphia  since  the  recall.  I think 
you  have  put  your  Treasury  upon  a proper  footing  and  perhaps 
you  will  soon  find  it  necessary  to  make  similar  Establishments  for 
your  other  public  Boards.  I have  wrote  to  the  President  relative 
to  the  money  received  from  Coll.  Baldwin  and  agreable  to  your 
desire  suspended  the  matter  of  resignation  for  further  Considera- 
tion. 

We  have  no  kind  of  Intelligence  here.  I shall  write  you  again 
soon,  in  the  Meantime  am  with  regards  to  my  other  Friends 
yours  assuredly 

J.  Warren 


1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1778 


78 


The  Navy  Board  must  have  another  Supply  of  Money,  it  is  of 
so  little  value  that  it  goes  off  very  fast,  we  paid  last  Saturday  to 
Mr.  Huntington  50,000  dollars  for  the  Ship  Confederacy  and  10,000 
to  Mr.  Cotton  for  the  other  Ship. 

We  have  done  much  Business  for  the  French  Squadron  and 
some  of  it  attended  with  much  difficulty,  for  which  we  have 
Charged  a Commission,  and  that  after  adviseing  with  General 
Whipple  I hope  the  Marine  Committee  will  approve  of  it,  and  think 
we  are  Intitled  to  it,  not  supposeing  we  were  to  do  the  Business  of 
the  French  as  well  as  the  American  Squadron. 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Braintree,  December  10,  1779  [1778] 

Nothing  but  a very  bad  soar  finger  has  withheld  my  Hand  from 
writing  to  my  Friend,  and  telling  her  that  I most  sincerely  sympa- 
thize with  her  in  the  late  melancholy  dispensation  of  providence 
towards  her,  an  event  tho  not  unexpected  yet  when  we  are  calld 
to  the  trial  of  resigning  our  dear  Friends  to  the  grave  Nature  will 
recoil,  and  the  Belief  of  a Glorious  immortality  can  only  support 
the  anguish  of  a bleading  Heart,  or  bring  the  mind  quietly  to 
submit  to  the  allotments  of  Heaven.1 

From  this  and  other  sources  you  have  reason  for  consolation, 
your  parent  had  lived  to  a good  old  age  with  Honour  and  reputa- 
tion, the  recollection  of  his  virtues  will  embalm  his  memory  to  you 

The  sweet  remembrance  of  the  just 
Shall  flourish  when  they  sleep  in  Dust. 

Nor  am  I unmindfull  of  my  Friend  or  less  disposed  to  sympa- 
thize with  her  in  an  other  call  which  she  will  soon  have  to  exert 
her  fortitude;  this  life  is  well  termed  a checkerd  state;  tis  wisely 
orderd  so,  since  with  all  the  visisitudes  we  pass  through  we  are 
still  strongly  attached  to  it.  I rejoice  with  my  Friend  that  she  has 
the  best  of  earthly  comforts  to  support  her,  and  console  her, 
through  the  painfull  tasks  to  which  she  is  call’d,  there  is  such  a 
1 James  Otis,  her  father,  died  November  9,  1778. 


1778] 


barren -Adams  Letters 


79 


cheering  influence,  in  the  Bosom  of  a Friend,  that  those  only  who 
are  deprived  of  it,  can  truly  estimate  its  worth. 

The  most  Forlorn  and  Dismal  of  all  States  is  that  of  widowhood, 
how  often  does  my  Heart  bleed  at  thinking  how  nearly  my  own 
Situation  is  allied  to  that,  nor  can  I sometimes  refrain  from  wish- 
ing that  the  wisdom  of  the  continent  had  made  choice  of  some 
person  whose  seperation  from  his  partner  would  have  been  little 
or  no  pain,  or  mortification  — many  such  might  have  been  found 
I dare  say  Heaven  can  witness  for  me  that  I judge  not  by  my  own 
feelings,  but  from  the  conduct  of  too  many  of  my  sex. 

Two  Letters  I have  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  since  I saw 
you,  the  latest  date  27  of  August. 

Never  says  the  writer  was  the  Spirit  of  a Nation  higher  than 
the  French,  never  Nation  had  more  cause  for  dejection  than  Eng- 
land, persons  from  England  say  that  the  general  opinion  is  that 
Independance  will  be  agree’d  to,  but  be  not  deceived,  it  is  time 
enough  to  believe  it  when  it  is  fact,  he  adds  do  not  be  anxious 
about  Spain,  nor  any  thing  else.  Let  us  sing,  o be  joyfull!  I fancy 
the  writer  has  imbibed  some  of  the  Spirit  of  the  Nation  from  the 
climate,  he  appears  to  be  in  high  Spirits. 

This  Letter  was  wrote  more  than  ten  days  ago,  but  my  finger 
was  so  bad  that  I could  not  finish  it. 

I now  propose  sending  it  by  my  Daughter  who  earnestly  hopes 
to  see  plimouth  tomorrow.  I commit  her  to  the  care  of  a Friend 
who  I hope  will  advise  admonish  and  direct  her,  with  the  same 
freedom  she  would  one  of  her  own  tho  large  in  Stature,  she  is 
young  in  years.  My  best  regards  to  our  worthy  suffering  Friend 
Mrs.  Lothrope.  I never  see  her  but  she  brings  to  my  mind  Shake- 
spears  “patience  on  a Monument  smiling  at  grief.” 

Love  attend  Master  Henery  with  his  smiling  countanance  & 
Master  George  with  his  grave  senatorial  face. 

You  will  be  so  good  as  to  write  often  to  me.  I shall  endeavour  to 
fullfill  my  promise  whenever  any  thing  offers  worth  communi- 
cating from  your  Sincere  Friend, 


Portia 


8o 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  December  15th,  1778 

Sir,  — I cannot  but  think  myself  a sufferer  by  the  Many  Cap- 
tures on  American  Navigation,  for  as  you  are  undoubtedly  a 
Gentleman  of  the  strictest  Veracity,  I must  suppose  the  Watery 
Damsels  that  Attend  the  ouzy  Board  of  the  Grey  Headed  Nep- 
tune, are  much  more  Fortunate  than  the  Woodland  Dames  of 
America.  Otherways  Notwithstanding  the  Bussy  and  important 
scenes  in  which  you  are  ingaged  a Folio  from  the  Court  of  France 
Must  have  Reached  Braintree,  and  an  octavo  sheet  at  Least 
would  have  found  its  way  to  Plimouth  before  this. 

But  if  by  thus  Frequently  seting  down  the  Most  Weighty 
secrets  of  state,  as  well  as  the  social  Communications  of  the 
Friendly  Heart,  the  Dark  Counsels  of  the  Deities  Below  do  not 
Gain  an  influence  sufficient  to  Embarass  your  Negotiations,  we 
can  better  forgive  this  peculation  of  the  Nereides,  or  we  may 
suppose  the  Females  beneath,  have  some  Curiosity  as  well  as 
those  who  walk  upon  the  surface  of  a World,  where  knowledge  is 
circumscribed  within  such  Narrow  Limits,  and  the  sex  too  often 
forbidden  to  taste  the  Golden  Fruit. 

But  perhaps  you  May  have  forgot  through  the  Multiplicity  of 
your  Avocations,  and  the  Magnitude  of  the  objects,  and  say 
surely  I Never  promissed  to  write  to  more  than  one  Lady,  on  the 
Western  side  the  Atlantic,  but  that  Lady  has  furnished  me  with 
a written  testimony  signed  by  yourself,  that  the  first  safe  Convey- 
ance should  Forward  some  observations,  and  Remarks,  to  Mrs. 

W n,  which  if  Collected  by  Mr.  Adams  must  surely  be  a 

treasure. 

And  I have  still  a Further  Demand  upon  you.  You  May  Recol- 
lect six  years  ago,  at  a certain  fire  side,  where  many  Political  plans 
were  Laid,  Discussed,  and  Digested,  you  said  it  was  your  Opinion, 
the  Contest  Between  Britain  and  America  would  not  be  setled 
till  your  sons  and  my  sons  were  able  to  Visit,  and  Negotiate  at  the 
Different  Courts  of  Europe.  A Lady  Replied  (though  perhaps 
not  from  prescience,  presentiment,  or  anything  but  presumption), 
that  you  Must  do  this  Work  yourselves,  and  that  she  Expected 


1778] 


TVarren-  Adams  Letters 


8 1 


from  you  a pleasing  Naration  of  the  Different  Customs,  Manners, 
Genius,  and  Taste  of  Nations  with  whom  we  were  little  acquainted. 

You  have  been  absent  almost  a year,  and  None  are  yet  arrived. 
You  Must  Remember  sir,  that  when  we  are  Descending  a preci- 
pice the  Velocity  is  much  more  Rapid  than  when  we  Mount, 
though  Expectation  points  us  to  the  summit,  and  hope  spreads 
her  Wings  to  accelerate  our  Motion.  And  if  you  postpone  your 
Communications  by  the  year,  I Cannot  Expect  to  Receive  many, 
for  if  no  premature  stroke  precipitates  the  Moment,  the  sun  will 
not  Revolve  Many  times  round  this  Inconsiderable  Globe  before 
I hope  to  tread  the  starry  pavement,  and  look  down  with  pity  on 
the  Regalia  of  princes,  the  Empires  of  a Day,  the  pomp  of  Royalty, 
and  even  the  pride  of  Republican  or  Aristocratic  Grandeur. 

I Wrote  you  a Long  Letter  Dated  October  15th,  which  went  in 
a packet  forwarded  by  the  Count  De  Estaign.  It  was  Void  of 
poetick  Imagery,  or  any  Flights  of  Fancy,  but  Contained  many 
solemn  Truths,  which  if  that  packet  arrived  safe,  were  doubtless 
Corroborated  by  better  Hands. 

I write  this  in  a Solitary  Hour.  Mr.  Warren  yet  at  the  Navy 
Board,  Exerting  all  the  powers  of  a Good  Head  and  an  Excellent 
Heart  to  put  the  affairs  of  the  American  Marine  on  a Reputable 
Footing,  as  far  as  falls  within  His  Department.  We  have  hitherto 
been  unfortunate  by  sea,  the  Causes  shall  leave  for  others  to 
Investigate. 

Mrs.  Adams  will  Doubtless  write  you  by  this  Conveyance. 
She  has  lately  made  me  an  agreable  Visit,  and  I often  see  her 
on  my  way  to  the  Capital:  whither  I Repair  when  I Can  Leave  my 
Little  Family,  which  now  Consists  of  only  my  two  younger  sons 
in  the  parlour,  the  three  Elder  being  at  an  age  that  makes  it 
proper  they  should  Leave  the  parental  Roof,  probably  you  do 
not  Remember  any  of  them.  But  I shall  in  a few  days  have  a 
young  person  with  me  whom  you  will  Never  forget,  one  Miss 
Naby  Adams,  who  I expect  will  spend  the  Winter  at  Plimouth. 

There  are  Certain  Moments  in  the  Lives  of  the  Greatest  phi- 
losophers and  politicians,  when  the  Mind  is  Relieved,  and  Gathers 
fresh  Vigour,  from  some  trivial  interruption  accidentally  thrown 
in  the  way.  This  Reflection  quiets  the  Bussy  Monitor  within,  who 


8 2 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1778 


sometimes  Wispers,  why  do  you  Break  in  (by  Recounting  the 
uninteresting  occurrances  that  fall  in  your  way)  on  the  important 
Moments  of  a Gentleman  whose  time  is  not  his  own. 

And  I wish  the  same  Reflection  would  have  an  influence  on 
Him,  so  far  as  to  unbend  his  Mind  Enough  to  write  a person  very 
Avaritious  of  the  Notices  of  the  Worthy,  and  of  Every  Attainable 
Means  of  improvement  in  this  scanty  portion  of  Existence. 

This  Goes  by  Capt.  Landais  of  the  Alliance  with  whom  I have 
a son.  I took  up  my  pen  Intending  only  a few  Lines  to  Let  you 
know  Notwithstanding  the  Convulsions  of  Nations,  the  Fluctua- 
tion of  Events  and  the  Vicissitudes  of  time,  there  are  yet  a few,  a 
very  few,  of  your  acquaintance  whom  you  most  Esteemed  in  the 
Days  of  Tranquility  who  Remain  Invariably  the  same.  Nor 
Can  I Lay  it  down  till  I have  told  you  that  both  you  and  your 
Country  have  lost  a Friend  in  the  Death  of  Coll.  Otis:  who  after 
long  and  patiently  waiting  to  be  called  from  his  post,  Bid  Adieu  to 
Mortality  the  9th  of  Nov.,  1778,  when  He  paid  this  Last  Debt 
to  Nature.  Both  public  and  private  Virtue  Might  justly  Mourn 
the  Deceased  patron,  while  a Large  tribute  of  Gratitude  Mingled 
with  tears,  is  Due  to  the  Memory  of  an  Excellent  Father.  From 
your  unfeigned  Friend  and  Humble  Servant 1 

Marcia  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Boston,  Deer.  16th,  1778 

My  dear  Sir,  — I am  at  the  Close  of  a very  Busy  Day  to  tell 
you  that  all  things  here  remain  much  in  the  Situation  they  were, 
no  new  thing  haveing  lately  taken  place.  Folly  and  Wickedness 
stalk  abroad  with  the  same  shameless  rapidity  and  Confidence 
they  ever  have  done  and  find  Numbers  to  keep  them  in  Counte- 
nance. Assemblies,  Gameing,  and  the  fashionable  Amusements 
Engage  the  Genteel  People,  or  those  who  cant  be  so  without 


1 A letter  from  John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren,  December  18  [misdated  in  printing  15], 
1778,  is  in  Writings  of  John  Adams,  ix.  474. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1779] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


83 


them,  while  more  Laudable  Entertainments  Engage  others  of  a 
different  Turn  of  Mind.  As  the  Seasons  of  the  Year  revolve  the 
22d  of  December  returns  next  week  and  again  brings  us  to  the 
Celebration  of  our  Anniversary.  I wish  I could  have  your  Com- 
pany again  at  Plymouth  on  that  Occasion,  it  would  certainly  be 
an  additional  pleasure.  The  Papers  furnish  us  with  Lists  of 
Delegates  Chosen  for  several  States,  pray  why  is  Mr.  Carroll  left 
out  in  Maryland,  and  you  perhaps  will  ask  why  are  some  others 
Chose  in  another  State. 

The  Inclosed  Letter  I beg  your  Care  off.  it  is  from  Mrs.  War- 
ren to  a Lady  of  her  Acquaintance  sent  to  Mr.  Mathews.  I can 
add  no  more  but  that  I am  assuredly  yours,  etc. 

J.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  N.  E.,  Jany.  1,  1779 

My  dear  Sir,  — I keep  no  Copies  of  Letters  and  therefor  am 
unable  to  refer  to  the  dates  or  the  Contents.  I know  I have  wrote 
you  many  and  some  of  them  very  Lengthy,  the  Contents  may  be 
of  no  great  Consequence,  whether  they  are  lost  or  received,  how 
many  you  have  wrote  me,  you  can  best  tell,  only  one  has  yet 
reached  me.  I have  been  now  ten  days  from  the  Capital,  and 
therefore  unable  to  give  you  such  Intelligence  as  I might  if  there, 
however  I believe  you  will  not  get  much  from  there  at  this  Time, 
nothing  very  Remarkable  having  taken  place  the  last  three  weeks 
I was  at  Boston.  The  Papers  that  will  be  sent  by  the  Navy  Board 
by  this  Good  Oppertunity  and  your  Friend,  the  Marquis  Fayette, 
will  give  you  every  thing  you  can  wish  to  know  from  here.  The 
principal  Subject  of  Conversation  seems  to  be  a Letter  lately 
published  by  Mr.  Deane,  attacking  with  great  Freedom  the 
Character  and  Conduct  of  Doctor  Lee  and,  indeed,  that  of  his 
whole  Family.1  this  Letter  is  neither  Elegant  or  Nervous,  is 
calculated  to  command  the  Attention  and  fix  the  prejudices  of  the 


I Probably  Deane’s  “ Address”  printed  in  the  Pennsylvania  Packet,  December  5,  177^ 
and  widely  copied. 


8+ 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1779 


People  and  is  designed  to  strike  deep,  as  neither  Congress  or  In- 
dividuals that  compose  it  are  spared,  it  is  no  difficult  Matter  to 
engage  the  prejudices  of  the  people  in  a Country  where  Jealousy 
is  excited  on  the  Slightest  Surmise. 

Whether  the  author  has  sufficient  Grounds  for  his  Charges 
against  Doctor  Lee  and  for  his  Complaints  against  Congress,  or 
whether  this  is  a political  dust  he  designs  to  avail  himself  of, 
you  can  better  tell  in  France  than  I can  here,  if  Dr.  Lee  and  his 
Connections  are  guilty  of  Treachery  or  any  Misconduct  I hope 
they  will  be  discovered  and  punished;  but  I must  own  at  present 
I doubt  it,  and  some  People  think  the  author  might  as  well  have 
bent  his  attention  to  clear  himself  from  some  Insinuations  not 
much  to  his  advantage,  however,  let  matters  be  as  they  may, 
this  has  a Tendency  to  lessen  the  Confidence  of  the  People  in 
Congress,  and  to  create  Factions  that  may  injure  the  Common 
Cause.  The  Tories  have  by  such  means  a full  Swing  for  their 
Arts,  which  they  Improve  to  the  greatest  Advantage.  I say 
nothing  to  you  of  the  State  of  our  Currency  and  other  difficulties 
we  have  to  struggle  with,  the  Enemy  still  retain  N.  York  and  R. 
Island,  the  French  and  English  Squadrons  are  supposed  to  be 
gone  to  the  West  Indies,  from  whence  we  expect  great  Events. 
Mrs.  Adams  writes  you  by  this  opportunity.  Your  pretty 
Daughter  is  here  on  a Winter’s  Visit  to  Mrs.  Warren.  She  is  very 
well  and  wont  own  that  she  is  not  happy.  I am  with  every  wish 
for  your  Happiness  your  Friend  and  Servant1 

J.  Warren 


Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Jan.  19,  1779 

I intended  writing  my  Friend  Mrs.  Adams  when  Mr.  Thaxter 
returned  but  dare  say  he  gave  you  a satisfactory  Reason  why  I 
did  not.  since  which  many  matters  have  taken  up  my  time,  the 
bussy  and  the  gloomy  scenes  have  alternately  played  before  me 

x A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  January  6,  1779,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  113. 


1779] 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


85 


and  commanded  my  Attention  almost  ever  since  I left  your  house 
with  a Heart  full  of  anxiety. 

I saw  my  Father  no  more  as  my  foreboding  Heart  presaged. 
He  breathed  his  last  sigh  and  bid  Adieu  to  mortality  before  I 
reached  his  now  Desolate  Mansion. 

Why  was  this  such  a painful  Circumstance  to  me.  How  incon- 
sistent, how  irrational  are  our  Wishes,  when  the  saint  is  on  the 
Threshold  of  Eternity  and  his  Lord  has  commissioned  a Messenger 
to  Release  him  from  his  Labours  and  Bestow  the  Reward  shall  we 
wish  a Moments  Detention,  that  we  may  be  permited  the  painful, 
the  terifying  satisfaction  of  standing  by  his  Couch,  while  the 
trembling  soul  is  taking  Leave  of  its  shattered  tenement,  and  is 
looking  abroad,  amidst  the  Dark,  profound,  ethereal  oeconimy, 
for  a New  and  more  permanent  Habitation. 

My  excellent  parent  had  long  done  his  Work,  and  was  patiently 
waiting  this  important  Change.  He  longed  to  Depart  and  to  be 
with  Christ,  and  to  unite  his  song  of  praise  with  the  separate 
spirit  of  one  whose  Life  was  such  that  her  Children  could  not  be 
forgiven  if  they  did  not  arise  and  call  her  Blessed,  so  long  as 
Memory  is  lent  them. 

Forgive  the  fond  overflowings  of  fillial  affection,  and  I will  lead 
you  from  a subject  so  unpolite  to  a more  Fashionable  theme,  to  the 
Disputes  of  polititions  and  statsmen.  there  if  any  where  is  Devel- 
oped the  Dark  Windings  of  the  Human  Heart.  How  often  when 
they  have  involved  themselves  in  Guilt,  do  they  send  a Hue  and 
Cry  for  justice  to  overtake  such  as  are  about  to  Detect  them, 
perhaps  we  may  soon  see  the  Methods  taken  to  exculpate  the 
knave  were  the  best  Means  of  Bringing  to  light  the  knavery:  and 
had  the  Former  been  silent,  the  odium  of  the  Latter  might  have 
been  fixed  where  it  was  not  due,  but  by  opening  a Door  for  a strict 
scrutiny  I hope  truth  will  be  Discovered.  And  punishment  and 
Disgrace  will  rest  where  it  ought. 

If  your  Little  Good  Girl  is  unhappy  she  Conceals  it  from  me,  for 
she  smiles  as  if  she  enjoyed  herself  and  says  plimouth  is  as  pleasant 
as  either  Boston  or  Braintree.  I shall  endeavour  to  keep  her  in 
that  sentiment  as  long  as  I can.  if  you  hear  anything  from  france 
we  are  not  so  immersed  in  our  own  Happiness  but  what  she  and 


86 


ILarren  -Adams  Letters  [1779 


I can  listen  with  pleasure,  nor  would  Inteligence  from  any  other 
quarter  be  unentertaining  handed  forward  by  your  pen. 

Make  my  Regards  to  Mr.  Thaxter  and  to  all  other  Braintree 
Friends.  I will  not  write  what  I think  of  this  young  gentleman, 
but  when  I see  you  I will  tell  you. 

It  gives  me  pleasure  in  such  a day  as  this  when  Vice  is  strength- 
ened by  Fashion,  and  Crimes  are  fostered  by  the  appelation  of 
Taste,  to  see  any  coming  on  the  stage  of  action  who  have  under- 
standing and  Virtue  sufficient  to  Dare  to  be  Good,  but  this  may 
be  one  of  the  Antiquated  Whims  of  your  undisguised  Friend  1 

Marcia  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Boston,  Feby.  12th,  1779 

My  dear  Sir,  — From  the  principle  that  has  long  Uniformly 
Influenced  my  Conduct  I went  Home  to  join  in  the  Celebration  of 
our  Anniversary,  where  I had  the  Misfortune  to  be  taken  very 
Lame,  which  has  detained  me  till  Yesterday,  when  for  the  first 
time  I returned  here,  this  only  has  prevented  my  acknowledge- 
ments of  your  several  favours  of  Novr.  23d  and  Jany.  6th,  and 
also  the  Copy  of  a Letter  from  Paris,  all  which  I have  Improved 
in  my  small  Circle  to  promote  the  Cause  of  Truth  and  patriotism 
and  in  support  of  the  Characters  of  Honest  and  able  patriots 
against  arts  and  Insinuations  which  appear  to  me  groundless  in 
their  Nature  and  Infamous  in  the  manner  they  are  done  in. 

I wish  Truth  had  a more  general  Influence  upon  Mankind  than 
it  has,  and  that  it  was  not  in  the  power  of  designing  Men  to  blind 
them,  or  party  views  to  Lead  them  Astray  against  that  and  their 
own  Interest;  but  we  have  seen  it  has  done  so  and  I see  it  now  and 
fear  I shall  as  long  as  I live.  The  late  publications  in  Philadel- 
phia are  a General  Topic  here  and  I suppose  all  over  the  Conti- 
nent. Opinions  are  as  various  as  Characters  and  Given  with  some 


1 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  February  12,  1779,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  123. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1779] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


87 


warmth  on  both  Sides,  however  Baneful  Mr.  D[eane’s]  Address 
may  be  to  our  Affairs  it  finds  Advocates  here  and  it  is  difficult  to 
prevent  even  many  honest  Men  from  being  Captivated  with  an 
Address  that  falls  in  with  their  Jealousy  at  a Time  when  they  find 
themselves  uneasy  and  pressed  with  many  difficulties,  but  what 
must  the  man  deserve  who  while  he  pretends  to  be  a Patriot  can 
Cooly  hazard  the  ruin  of  the  finest  proposals  by  Exciteing  Ground- 
less Jealousies  and  Animosities  when  the  most  perfect  Unanimity 
should  subsist  to  prevent  the  most  desolating  ruin,  but  I hope  he 
and  every  Body  will  have  their  deserts.  I may  write  you  more 
on  this  subject  hereafter  when  I have  had  more  Opportunity  to 
make  my  Observations  here.  As  for  News  I can  give  you  None 
but  what  you  will  find  in  the  Papers. 

The  Court  is  setting.  I can  tell  you  but  little  about  them.  I 
am  told  they  are  upon  a new  Valuation,  a Bill  of  Confiscation, 
upon  a Tax  Bill  for  1,000,000  of  money,  a New  Constitution  and 
talk  of  riseing  next  week.  Your  old  Friend  figures  away  in  the 
usual  Stile,  sometimes  the  pendulum  swings  one  way  and  some- 
times the  other  — I mean  with  regard  to  Whiggism  or  Toryism, 
but  never  fails  to  swing  uniformly  against  all  that  wont  Bow  down 
and  worship  a very  Silly  Image,  you  will  have  an  Instance  in  a 
Letter  which  I am  told  has  gone  forward  lately  from  a Certain 
Assembly  to  Congress  relating  to  the  Ships  here  and  the  Navy 
Board,  this  Letter  had  its  rise  from  him  and  was  Calculated  and 
designed  to  Carry  very  Injurious  reflections  on  the  Board,  but 
was  greatly  Amended  (to  his  Mortification)  by  the  other  Branch. 
I believe  it  contains  now  but  little  more  than  a desire  to  have  the 
Navy  Board  under  their  direction,  if  Congress  think  it  necessary 
they  should  have  more  Masters  they  will  do  it,  but  I hope  at  the 
same  time  they  will  appoint  one  new  Member  in  the  room  of  one 
old  one.  I would  not  detain  you  longer,  but  it  is  necessary  you 
should  be  acquainted  with  some  Facts,  last  Deer,  the  Council 
requested  us  to  send  the  Dean  with  their  Brigantine  Hazard 
down  to  the  Eastward  to  Attack  the  Enemy,  we  represented  to 
them  that  the  Navigation  was  hazardous  and  that  the  force 
proposed  was  Insufficient,  which  was  also  the  Opinion  of  the 
Board  of  War.  they  then  proposed  we  should  Join  another  Ship, 


88 


U^arren-  Adams  Letters  [1779 


which  we  consented  to,  provided  they  could  furnish  us  with  fifty 
or  sixty  Men  to  man  the  Boston  quick,  so  that  they  might  Sail 
before  the  Enemy  could  know  it  at  Newport  and  take  measures 
to  destroy  them,  but  no  such  thing  was  done,  we  then  proposed 
that  they  should  join  the  Hazard  with  the  Dean  and  go  on  the 
Coast  of  Virginia,  where  their  Force  was  Adequate  to  the  Service; 
but  the  Board  of  War  said  the  Brigantine  was  not  Built  to  defend 
the  Coasts  of  other  States,  would  not  agree  to  it  and  the  Council 
was  quite  Inattentive  to  our  Arguments  and  pressing  Solicita- 
tions. we  were  therefore  finally  obliged  to  order  the  Deane  to 
that  service  alone,  the  hazard  is  Cruiseing  for  profitable  prizes 
and  the  Clamour  is  that  we  dont.  take  measures  to  Clear  that 
Coast. 

Has  Congress  reconsidered  their  Vote  for  augmenting  our 
Salaries,  we  have  had  no  official  Information  of  it.  I wish  to 
know  how  the  matter  stands,  if  it  be  on  the  old  Foot  I must  quit 
or  be  ruined.  I am  your  sincere  Friend. 

[No  signature .] 

My  best  regards  to  Mr.  Gerry  and  Mr.  Lovel.  I wish  they 
would  let  me  know  how  the  world  goes.  No  Body  writes  to  me 
but  you. 

The  Navy  Board  has  Just  received  two  warrants  from  your 
Committee  for  100,576  dollars  and  a promise  of  50,000  in  Money. 
My  Friend,  you  must  consider  this  as  next  to  No  supply,  we  have 
borrowed  nearly  50,000  already  and  paid  it  away,  if  we  get  the 
100,000  from  the  Loan  Office  in  Connecticut,  which  I dont  Ex- 
pect, it  will  by  no  Means  supply  Huntington,  Cotton,  and  Langdon 
for  the  Ships  they  are  Building  and  Equiping,1  and  we  shall  not 
have  a penny  left  for  all  the  other  great  demands  on  us.  what 
then  becomes  of  your  Navy,  you  must  haul  up  your  Ships  or 
supply  us  Immediately  with  a much  larger  Sum. 


1 Joshua  Huntington  (1751-1821),  John  Cotton,  of  Chatham,  Conn.,  and  John  Lang- 
don, of  Portsmouth,  N.H.  Some  letters  on  the  operations  of  these  agents  will  be  found  in 
the  Huntington  Papers,  Conn.  Hist.  Soc.  Collections,  xx,  and  in  Out-Letters  of  the  Continental 
Marine  Committee  and  Board  of  Admiralty,  1776-1780,  printed  by  the  Naval  History 
Society. 


1779] 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


89 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Passy,  Feb.  25,  1779 

Dear  Sir,  — Yours  of  the  1.  Jany.  was  delivered  me,  by  the 
Marquis  de  la  Fayette.  I wish  I was  as  happy  as  you,  in  not  being 
obliged  to  copy  my  Letters.  Sense  or  Nonsense,  frivolous  or 
weighty,  I must  copy  every  Line  I write,  for  I know  not  what 
Accusations  may  be  brought  against  me,  grounded  on  my  Letters 
if  I do  not.  My  Letters  are  lyable  to  more  Misfortunes  and  foul 
Play  too  than  yours,  and  I keep  no  Clerk,  so  the  original  and  Copy, 
must  be  done  with  these  weak  Eyes,  almost  blind  with  reading 
and  writing;  yet  every  Body  complains  of  me  for  not  writing 
enough,  especially  my  Wife. 

The  Address  you  mention,  produced  astonishment,  here  and  all 
over  Europe.  Yet  it  seems  to  be  not  discountenanced:  rather 
Supported.  You  have  Reason  to  be  confident  of  Dr.  L[ee]’s 
Integrity  and  Fidelity  — no  Man  more  faithfull,  and  his  Charac- 
ter must  be  vindicated  or  no  Mans  will  be  safe.  I shall  not  how- 
ever enter  into  this  Business.  He  is  able  to  justify  himself  and 
willing.  You  may  tell  your  Lady  however,  she  was  not  mistaken 
in  the  Character  she  gave  me  of  him. 

I shall  not  enter  particularly  into  the  Inconveniences,  which 
must  result  from  such  an  outrageous  Measure  as  that  Address.  I 
wish  to  know,  who  will  correspond  with  Us  or  any  Body  connected 
with  Us,  if  they  are  to  be  thus  exposed.  What  Prince,  Minister  or 
State  will  confide  in  Us,  if  Negociations  are  thus  to  be  laid  open? 
Where  is  our  Secrecy,  or  a Possibility  of  it?  Is  the  Confederation 
annihilated?  Is  the  Union  lost?  has  Congress  so  little  authority 
as  to  be  obliged  to  endure  this?  God  forbid.  Yet  I think  the 
Probability  is  that  he  will  succeed,  get  the  two  L[ee]’s  recalld,  and 
himself  appointed  to  some  Trust  abroad,  if  this  should  be  the 
Case  what  is  to  become  of  Us  ? at  least  if  this  done  before  they  are 
asked  if  guilty  or  not  guilty,  before  they  are  allowed  to  defend 
themselves  which  I doubt  not  they  can  do. 

This  Publication  gave  the  Ministry  a Lift  in  England,  and  will 
hoist  the  Loan  which  before  labourd.  The  Capture  of  St  Lucie, 
also  which  is  just  arrived,  will  give  another  Spur.  Yet  the  Dis- 


9° 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


contents  in  England,  Scotland,  Ireland,  and  Wales  ought  to  be 
terrible  to  Administration.  They  can  do  no  great  Things  against 
Us. 

The  only  Enemy,  of  any  great  Consequence  which  is  left  to  Us 
is  our  Currency.  Taxation  and  Oeconomy,  must  be  the  Cry  in 
America,  a Depreciation  and  Appreciation  Law  must  be  made. 
The  People  will  not  Succumb  to  G.  B.  if  the  Bills  depreciate, 
untill  a Thousand  Dollars,  must  be  given  for  a Silver  Shilling. 
They  will  not  Succumbe  to  G.  B.  if  our  regular  Army,  was  wholly 
disbanded.  For  even  then  the  English  could  not  make  an  Excur- 
sion into  the  Country,  from  under  the  Guns  of  their  Men  of  War, 
without  Militia  Men  enough  turning  out  to  knock  them  in  the 
Head.  The  Consumption  of  British  Soldiers  and  Sailors  in  the 
West  Indies  is  like  to  be  such  that  you  need  not  fear,  any  great 
force,  with  you.  The  Tories  must  now  act  against  every  Light 
of  Conscience,  for  they  know  that  we  cannot  now  succumbe  to 
G.  B.  without  having  France  and  Spain  upon  our  Backs. 

What  Qongress]  will  do  with  the  Paper  I dont  know,  but  they 
had  better,  by  a Vote  annihilate  it  all,  or  call  it  in  to  be  burned, 
infinitely,  and  go  over  the  same  ground  again  ten  times  than  that 
G.  B.  should  prevail.  Burn  it  all  with  my  good  Will.  My  share 
shall  go  to  the  Flames  with  the  utmost  cheerfulness,  call  it  all  in, 
in  a Loan  if  you  will,  but  then  dont  let  it  stand  at  Sterling  Stand- 
ard to  be  redeemed.  This  would  be  greater  Injustice  than  to  burn 
it  all. 

This  vile  Paper  discourages  and  disheartens  the  Whiggs,  and 
emboldens  the  Tories,  more  than  it  ought,  blow  it  away,  any  way. 
Many  have  a Prejudice,  that  our  Independance  is  connected  with 
it.  Convince  both  sides  that  our  Independance  dont  depend  upon 
that.  That  our  Plate,  our  Stocks  and  all  shall  go  rather  than  our 
Sovereignty  depend  upon  it.  It  is  worth  them  all  and  more,  nay 
our  Houses  and  Farms  into  the  Bargain. 

Our  Remedy  is  so  simple,  that  I am  astonished,  there  should  be 
the  least  Hesitation  about  it,  in  the  Mind  of  the  most  ignorant  and 
mean  of  the  People. 

Taxation  alone,  is  amply  Sufficient  to  carry  on  our  Share  of  the 
War  in  future.  I am  sure  that  the  thirteen  States  can  raise  Money 


1779] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


9 1 


enough  if  they  will  to  bear  all  their  future  Expences  as  they  rise, 
if  the  People  are  so  blind,  blockish  and  stupid,  as  not  to  see  it  and 
be  willing  for  it,  it  is  a Pity. 

But  the  Delirium  that  rages,  is  enough  to  discourage  every  Man 
of  Virtue  and  Honour,  the  Foppery,  the  Avarice,  the  Ambition, 
the  Vanity,  the  Rage,  the  Fury,  is  enough  to  induce  every  Man 
of  Sense  and  Virtue  to  abandon  such  an  execrable  Race,  to  their 
own  Perdition,  and  if  they  could  be  ruined  alone  it  would  be  just. 
There  is  Cause  to  fear  that  our  Countrymen  and  Women,  after 
having  astonished  the  Universe  by  their  Wisdom  and  Virtue,  will 
become  a Spectacle  of  Contempt  and  Derision  to  the  foolish  and 
wicked,  and  of  Grief  and  shame  to  the  wise  among  Mankind,  and 
all  this  in  the  Space  of  a few  Years. 

I see  so  much  Corruption,  wherever  I cast  my  Eyes.  I see  the 
virtuous  few  struggling  against  it,  with  so  little  success,  that  a 
Retreat  infinitely  less  Splendid  than  that  of  Pythagoras,  at  the 
Head  of  a little  school  to  teach  a few  Children  the  Elements  of 
Knowledge  would  be  a kind  of  Heaven  to  me.  I have  the  Honour 
to  be  reduced  to  a private  Citizen  and  if  I could  remain  there  with- 
out an  eternal  Clamour,  no  Consideration  in  the  World  should 
induce  me  ever  again  to  rise  out  of  it.  But  you  know  the  Noise, 
the  Lyes,  the  Slanders,  the  stupid  Groans  and  Lamentations,  that 
would  be  raised  at  such  a Resolution. 

However  let  them  groan  and  hiss  and  curse  as  they  will,  I will 
never  be  again  with  my  own  Consent  the  sport  of  wise  Men  nor 
Fools. 

[Ao  signature.} 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Feby.  28th,  1779 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  received  yours  of  the  nth  Instant. 
Your  Apprehensions  are  so  far  just  that  the  honest  and  virtuous 
friends  to  their  Country  do  not  Indeed  unite  their  Councils  and 
Efforts;  but  it  rather  proceeds  from  Inattention  and  a Multi- 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


9 2 


H^arren-  Adams  Letters  [1779 


plicity  of  Business  and  other  pursuits  than  from  a want  of  Esteem 
and  the  prevalence  of  Jealousies  among  them.  I have  a great 
Opinion  of  Mr.  Dana’s  Political  Principles  and  Conduct,  but  from 
the  Constant  Attention  he  gives  to  the  Executive  and  General 
Courts  I never  have  an  Opportunity  to  see  him.  I have  not  once 
met  him  in  three  months  and  Consequently  have  never  yet  been 
able  to  ask  the  Question  you  authorised  me  to  do.  any  Intercourse 
with  him  is  rendered  more  difficult  by  his  always  returning  Home 
when  he  is  not  prevented  by  Urgent  Business.  I am  sensible  the 
Torrent  you  mention  should  be  Stemmed,  and  of  the  fatal  Conse- 
quences of  the  Manners  you  mention,  as  well  as  of  the  Policy  of 
some  People  here;  but  we  are  a rope  of  Sand  without  any  Cement, 
some  of  us  are  too  much  Engaged  and  others  too  Inattentive  to 
get  any  thing  done,  the  Little  Leisure  I have  is  Imployed  in  my 
small  Efforts,  for  which  in  some  Companies  I get  the  Character  of 
an  old  Fashioned  Fellow,  and  in  others  of  a strong  Party  Man.  I 
fear  you  have  a hard  Task  where  you  are.  I hope  it  will  not  prey 
on  your  Spirits  or  Injure  your  Health.  I am  fully  persuaded  of 
the  Existence  of  such  a Combination  as  you  mention  in  Doctr. 
Cooper.  We  have  Instances  of  it  here  with  regard  to  you,  and  my 
other  Friends  at  Congress,  last  Winter  the  Art  was  to  hold  you 
up  as  an  Enemy  to  General  Washington;  now  it  is  to  prejudice 
the  People  against  the  Lees,  and  to  propagate  that  you  are  a 
Friend  to  them,  and  at  Last  the  matter  has  been  Carried  so  far 
as  to  obtain  a Vote  in  the  House  for  a Committee  to  Consider  the 
Propriety  of  recalling  three  of  their  Delegates  and  sending  three 
now  here,  tho’  this  would  not  only  be  Affrontive  to  you,  but  also 
an  Implicit  Censure  on  the  Measures  you  have  adopted,  yet 
every  Art  has  been  practised  to  Effect  it  and  among  others  the 
Measure  for  preparing  materials  for  a Fleet  on  the  Lakes  at  Sara- 
toga, and  an  Expedition  into  Canada  that  way  is  Absurdly  given 
as  a reason,  while  no  Body  can  doubt  that  you  are  all  against  it. 
but  I believe  it  will  not  Succeed,  the  Court  is  to  rise  Tomorrow. 

And  now  I must  say  a little  to  you  about  the  Navy  Board  and 
Confess  to  you  that  I am  Extreemly  surprised  at  your  last  Letter 
from  the  Marine  Committee,  have  they  no  kind  of  Confidence 
in  the  Members  of  the  Navy  Board  here,  and  do  they  wish  to  hold 


1779] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


93 


them  up  to  the  Officers  of  the  Navy  in  a Contemptible  Light,  if 
not  why  are  not  your  Orders  directed  to  them,  to  be  given  to  the 
Commanders,  and  in  most  Cases  at  least  some  discretion  of  theirs 
to  be  used,  instead  of  that  of  the  Captains.  I own  I am  Mortifyed 
and  will  not  long  submit  to  it.  You  should  have  [some  one]  at 
this  Board  you  can  place  Confidence  in.  if  we  are  not  such,  you 
should  displace  us  and  appoint  others,  it  is  Impossible  you  can 
Judge  300  Miles  of.  if  the  Conduct  of  the  Raleigh  had  been  left  to 
us  she  would  probably  have  been  saved,  and  She  and  the  Dean 
would  have  Effected  the  Service  you  wished  for,  and  made  a 
Cruise,  and  yet  you  have  Committed  in  my  Humble  Opinion  a 
greater  Error  in  ordering  the  Queen  of  France  on  the  Coast  of 
Virginia  alone,  and  to  be  followed  by  the  Ranger  and  then  the 
Confederacy,  the  Ranger  will  sail  with  her,  but  in  my  Opinion 
they  will  both  be  lost.  I am  Confident  no  Merchant  would  Insure 
them  for  eighty  per  ct.  one  frigate  will  take  them  both,  if  they 
should  Escape  being  taken  by  the  Enemy  they  will  get  Nothing 
and  then  there  will  be  an  End  of  your  Maning  your  Ships  here. 
I think  we  had  formed  a Grand  Plan,  if  you  had  permitted  us  to 
Execute  it.  but  I will  not  have  the  Reputation  of  the  present  one. 
it  shall  be  known  whose  Orders  they  sail  under. 

Your  Committee  has  never  given  their  disapprobation  to  our 
takeing  the  Commission  Charged  Mr.  Holker  for  Business  done 
for  the  French  Fleet,  which  I Construe  as  an  Approbation  and 
shall,  as  I think  we  justly  may  and  ought  to  do,  take  them,  as  he 
has  paid  them  to  us.  Am  I right.  Adeu.  Your  Friend 

J.  Warren 

Yesterday  we  had  the  agreable  Account  of  the  Arrival  of  a 
Spanish  Frigate  at  Philadelphia  and  that  an  Alliance  is  formed 
with  Spain;  that  she  has  brought  a large  Sum  of  Hard  Money, 
upon  which  Gold  and  Silver  and  Goods  had  fallen  at  a Great 
rate.  I wish  half  of  it  may  prove  true. 


94 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1779 


Richard  Henry  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  March  6th,  1779 

Sir,  — I thank  you  very  sincerely  for  your  kindness  in  forward- 
ing the  parcel  of  bark  by  Mr.  Brailsford,  which  I have  received  in 
good  order,  and  would  thankfully  have  paid  that  gentleman  for 
his  trouble  in  the  carriage,  but  his  civility  would  not  suffer  him  to 
receive  anything.  I have  no  doubt,  Sir,  but  that  the  same  good- 
ness which  has  forwarded  this  parcel  of  bark,  will  contrive  the 
other  by  the  first  convenient  opportunity.  This  is  a medicine 
rendered  necessary  in  my  family  from  situation  and  climate  which 
expose  us  to  intermitting  fevers.  Indeed  long  habit  has  made  its 
constant  use  indispensable  to  me. 

I am  extremely  sensible,  Sir,  of  your  obliging  sentiments  of  me 
and  my  family,  and  I hope  we  shall  continue  to  deserve  them.  If 
all  men  like  General  Warren  possessed  wisdom,  integrity,  and 
discernment,  such  characters  as  Mr.  Deane  and  his  Adherents 
would  never  disgrace  public  employments,  or  venture  upon  such 
experiments  as  have  lately  been  made  on  the  public.  However, 
indiscernment  begins  now  to  discern,  and  even  the  interested 
friends  of  Mr.  Deane  seem  ashamed  to  support  him.  It  will  be 
happy  for  him  if  resentment  rises  no  higher  than  contempt. 

I have  the  honor  to  be  with  singular  respect  and  esteem  Sir 
your  most  obliged  and  very  humble  Servant, 

Richard  Henry  Lee 


Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  March  19,  1779 

If  anything  would  awake  the  sleeping  Muses  or  call  back  the 
Wandering  Deities  the  Imagery  of  this  Delightful  Morn  when  the 
hand  of  Nature  has  decorated  every  twig  with  spangles  of  peculiar 
Briliancy,  joined  with  the  Repeated  Request  of  my  Friend  would 
not  fail  to  do  it.  the  subject  you  point  out  requires  Heroics.  But 
alas!  Clio  is  Deaf,  perhaps  irrevocably  stunned  till  the  Noise  of 


1779] 


TV arren  -Adams  Letters 


95 


War  shall  cease.  The  Harmony  of  Calliope  suffers  by  the  jaring  of 
patriots,  and  Melpomene  is  starved  amidst  the  General  Cry  for 
Bread. 

In  short,  I believe  the  famed  Nine  sickened  by  the  unpromising 
aspect  of  this  Decayed  Village,  (once  the  Asylum  of  piety)  and 
grown  weary  of  their  old  Friend,  sensible  they  had  heretofore 
made  a Lodgment  in  an  unthrifty  soil,  have  bid  an  Everlasting 
Adieu.  And  as  their  Ladyships  have  taken  Wing  (probably  in 
pursuit  of  some  more  happy  Clime,)  I hope  they  will  not  rest  till 
they  light  on  the  Head  of  some  Votive  Genius  whose  productions 
will  do  honour  to  the  Admired  Train,  as  well  as  to  the  Cold  Re- 
gions of  the  North. 

But  if  they  should  ever  condescend  again  to  make  a Temporary 
Visit  to  one  almost  secluded  from  society,  (which  Brightens  the 
Ideas  and  gives  a polish  to  Expression)  you  may  Depend  upon  it 
your  absent  partner  will  not  be  forgot,  but  at  present  you  must 
be  content  to  let  me  tell  you  in  plain  prose  that  I think  him 
Honest,  that  if  by  living  among  the  Refinements  of  polititions  and 
Courtiers,  his  Integrity  should  be  undermined,  or  his  taste  per- 
verted, my  Motto  to  every  Character  in  Future  shall  be,  That 
Man  is  all  a Lye. 

I return  you  a Letter  with  thanks  for  the  perusal,  wish  if 
proper  you  would  forward  some  others  when  you  send  for  your 
Daughter  who  I really  love,  and  love  her  the  more  the  longer  she 
resides  with  me. 

In  future  I shall  call  her  my  Naby  and  Back  my  Claim  with 
the  promise  of  her  papah  to  whom  I shall  appeal  if  you  Monopo- 
lize too  much. 

You  do  not  tell  me  why  you  was  so  confident  I had  a Letter 
from  France.  Depend  upon  it  you  shall  see  it  when  I have.  I 
think  I might  expect  two  or  three  in  a year,  if  it  was  only  a Com- 
plimentary Return  for  the  Many  Visits  made  a Lady,  by  a Gentle- 
man with  regard  to  whom  were  it  in  my  power,  I should  Discover 
perhaps  too  much  of  the  spirit  of  the  times,  by  engrossing  his 
hours  wholly  to  myself,  and  to  a Number  of  amiable  youth,  but 
he  is  impeled  by  a Coincidence  of  Circumstance  to  a style  of  Life 
not  agreeable  to  his  taste.  Call  me  Miserly  if  you  please,  yet  I am 


96 


ILarren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


sensible  you  can,  you  may  feelingly  join  with  me  and  the  Bonny 
Scotch  Lass,  and  warble  the  Mournful  Chorus 

From  Mom  to  Eve, 

There’s  Little  pleasure  in  the  Room, 

When  my  Good  Man’s  awaw. 

I shall  return  a Number  of  Letters  with  a Manuscript  Volume 
by  Miss  N[abb]y.  it  has  been  an  agreable  Entertainment  to  me, 
and  when  you  come  to  Plimouth  which  I hope  will  be  within 
a few  weeks  I shall  endeavour  to  make  all  the  Retaliation  in  my 
power. 

You  ask  what  I think  of  the  Late  Dispute  among  the  higher 
powers  of  America.  I know  little  of  it  except  what  is  in  the  public 
papers,  where  I think  may  be  discovered  the  precipitation  and 
timidity  of  Guilt  in  a certain  Indiscreet  writer  yet  I like  not  the 
Expression  of  Englifyed  American , which  I saw  dropped  from  a 
pen  I view  in  a very  different  Light. 

I shall  only  Gently  Remind  you  that  your  promise  is  not  yet 
compleated  of  writing  much  and  frequently  through  the  Course  of 
the  Winter,  to  her  who  subscribes  your  affectionate  Friend1 

M.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Boston,  March  30th,  1779 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  for  sometime  been  Exceeding  Uneasy 
about  you.  it  has  been  reported  here  that  you  are  in  Bad  Health, 
and  I cant  reconcile  myself  to  be  easy  while  anything  prevents 
your  Services  to  your  Country,  at  a Time  when  it  so  much  wants 
Able  and  Honest  Men.  I hope  this  report  is  without  foundation, 
but  your  long  Silence  seems  to  be  a Confirmation  of  the  Truth  of 
it.  I shall  Earnestly  Expect  a Letter  by  the  Post  To  morrow  in 
answer  to  the  several  Letters  I have  wrote  you.  Our  Speculations 
here  are  Employed  upon  the  Mighty  Secret  Congress  is  possessed 

1 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  March  23,  1779,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  139. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1779] 


IVarren  - Adams  Letters 


97 


off  and  the  great  Business  before  them,  the  Ingenuity  of  our 
politicians  has  been  Exhausted  and  their  patience  wore  out.  they 
now  begin  to  be  Content  with  supposeing  that  propositions  of 
Peace  have  some  how  been  made  to  you  and  that  you  are  Consid- 
ering the  Terms,  this  alone  is  no  small  Object.  I have  always 
had  my  Apprehensions  of  danger  from  Negotiations  of  this  Kind, 
the  designs  of  the  disaffected,  the  Views  of  the  Interested,  will 
have  their  Influence  upon  the  Timidity  of  some  and  Weakness  of 
others  to  precipitate  us  into  rash  and  sudden  Concessions.  The 
doctrine  that  almost  any  peace  is  preferable  to  a Continuance  of 
the  war  is  a dangerous  one,  because  it  pleases  the  Feelings  and 
Taste  of  the  Many  who  have  abandoned  every  valuable  Consider- 
ation to  a rage  for  Ease,  Luxurious  Living  and  Expensive  diver- 
sions. in  Short  we  are  arrived  to  that  Stage  of  Civilization  and 
polished  Manners  which  I think  Incompatible  with  public  or 
private  Virtue,  and  therefore  worse  than  Barbarism.  I wish  for 
Peace,  but  had  rather  the  War  should  Continue  the  remaining 
part  of  my  Life  than  Accept  a Peace  on  Bad  Terms. 

What  are  to  be  the  Military  Operations  of  this  Summer,  is 
there  a judicious  plan,  or  are  there  to  be  any  wild  Romantic 
Expeditions  that  promise  nothing  but  Expense,  Loss  and  disap- 
pointment, Except  serving  the  purposes  of  falling  in  with  the 

Views  of  the  Dons  of . I have  not  a word  of  News  to  tell  you. 

we  anxiously  wait  for  Intelligence  from  Georgia.  I saw  Mrs. 
Adams  a few  days  ago  very  well.  I am  yours  Sincerely 

J.  W. 

I am  very  happy  here  in  our  Friend  General  Gates,  but  I fear  he 
is  to  leave  us  soon,  he  is  a true  Genuine  Republican  of  sterling 
virtue,  etc.,  etc. 


George  Washington  to  James  Warren 

Head  Quarters,  Middlebrook,  Mar.  31,  1779 

Dear  Sir,  — I beseech  you  not  to  ascribe  my  delay  in  answer- 
ing your  obliging  favour  of  the  16th  of  Deer,  to  disrespect,  or  want 


98 


barren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


of  inclination  to  continue  a corrispondance  in  which  I have  al- 
ways taken  pleasure,  and  thought  myself  honored. 

Your  letter  of  the  above  date  came  to  my  hand  in  Philadelphia, 
where  I attended  at  the  request  of  Congress  to  settle  some  impor- 
tant matters  respecting  the  Army  and  its  future  operations;  and 
where  I was  detained  till  some  time  in  Febru’y.  during  that 
period  my  time  was  so  much  occupied  by  the  immediate  and 
pressing  business  which  carried  me  there,  that  I could  attend  to 
little  else;  and  upon  my  return  to  Camp  I found  the  ordinary 
business  of  the  army  had  run  so  much  behind  hand,  that  together 
with  the  arrangements  I had  to  carry  into  execution  no  leizure 
was  left  me  to  indulge  myself  sooner  in  making  the  acknowledg- 
ment I am  now  about  to  do,  of  the  pleasure  I felt  at  finding  that  I 
still  enjoyed  a share  of  your  confidence  and  esteem,  and  now  and 
then  would  be  informed  of  it  by  letter,  believe  me  Sir  when  I add, 
that  this  proof  of  your  holding  me  in  remembrance,  is  most  pleas- 
ing and  acceptable. 

Our  conflict  is  not  like  to  cease  so  soon  as  every  good  man  would 
wish.  The  measure  of  inequity  is  not  yet  filled,  and  unless  we  can 
return  a little  more  to  first  principles,  and  act  a little  more  upon 
patriotic  grounds,  I do  not  know  when  it  will,  or,  what  may  be  the 
issue  of  the  contest.  Speculation,  peculation,  engrossing,  fore- 
stalling, with  all  their  concomitants,  afford  too  many  melancholy 
proofs  of  the  decay  of  public  virtue;  and  too  glaring  instances  of 
its  being  the  interest  and  desire  of  too  many,  who  would  wish  to 
be  thought  friends,  to  continue  the  War. 

Nothing  I am  convinced  but  the  depreciation  of  our  currency 
proceeding  in  a great  measure  from  the  foregoing  causes,  aided  by 
stock  jobbing  and  party  dissentions,  has  fed  the  hopes  of  the 
enemy  and  kept  the  Arms  of  Briton  in  America  untill  now.  They 
do  not  scruple  to  declare  this  themselves,  and  add  that,  we  shall 
be  our  own  conquerors.  Cannot  our  common  Country  (America) 
possess  virtue  enough  to  disappoint  them?  Is  the  consideration 
of  a little  dirty  pelf,  to  individuals,  to  be  placed  in  competition 
with  the  essential  rights  and  liberties  of  the  present  generation, 
and  of  millions  yet  unborn?  shall  a few  designing  men  for  their 
own  aggrandizement,  and  to  gratify  their  own  avarice,  overset 


1779]  IVarren  -Adams  Letters  99 


the  goodly  fabric  we  have  been  rearing  at  the  expence  of  so  much 
time,  blood,  and  treasure?  and  shall  we  at  last  become  the  victims 
of  our  own  abominable  lust  of  gain  ? Forbid  it  heaven ! forbid  it  all, 
and  every  state  in  the  union!  by  enacting  and  enforcing,  effica- 
tious  laws  for  checking  the  growth  of  these  monstrous  evils,  and 
restoring  matters  in  some  degree  to  the  pristine  state  they  were 
in  at  the  commencement  of  the  War.  Our  cause  is  noble,  it  is  the 
cause  of  Mankind!  and  the  danger  to  it  springs  from  ourselves. 
Shall  we  slumber  and  sleep  then  while  we  should  be  punishing 
those  miscreants  who  have  brought  these  troubles  upon  us,  and 
who  are  aiming  to  continue  us  in  them  ? While  we  should  be  striv- 
ing to  fill  our  Battalions,  and  devising  ways  and  means  to  appreci- 
ate the  currency,  on  the  credit  of  which  every  thing  depends  ? I 
hope  not,  let  vigorous  measures  be  adopted,  not  to  limit  the  price 
of  articles,  for  this  I conceive  is  inconsistent  with  the  very  nature 
of  things,  and  impracticable  in  itself,  but  to  punish  speculators, 
forestalled,  and  extortioners,  and  above  all,  to  sink  the  money  by 
heavy  Taxes.  To  promote  public  and  private  oeconomy,  encour- 
age manufactures  etca.  Measure  of  this  sort  gone  heartily  into 
by  the  several  states,  will  strike  at  once  at  the  root  of  all  our  mis- 
fortunes, and  give  the  coup-de-grace  to  British  hope  of  subjugat- 
ing this  great  Continent,  either  by  their  Arms  or  their  Arts.  The 
first  as  I have  before  observed  they  acknowledge  is  unequal  to  the 
task,  the  latter  I am  sure  will  be  so  if  we  are  not  lost  to  every  thing 
that  is  good  and  virtuous. 

A little  time  now,  must  unfold  in  some  degree,  the  Enemy’s 
designs.  Whether  the  state  of  affairs  in  Europe  will  permit  them 
to  augment  their  Army  with  more  than  recruits  for  the  Regiments 
now  in  America,  and  therewith  attempt  an  active  and  vigorous 
campain,  or  whether  with  their  Canadian  and  Florida  force  they 
will  aid  and  abet  the  Indians  in  ravaging  on  our  Western  Frontier, 
while  their  shipping  with  detachments  harrass  (and  if  they  mean 
to  prosecute  the  predatory  War  threatned  by  Administration 
through  their  Commissioners)  burn  and  destroy  our  Seacoast, 
or  whether  contrary  to  expectation  they  are  more  disposed  to 
negotiate  than  to  either,  is  more  than  I can  determine.  The 
latter  will  depend  very  much  on  their  apprehensions  of  Spain,  and 


I oo 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1779 


their  own  foreign  alliances.  At  present  we  seem  to  be  in  a Chaos 
but  this  cannot  last  long,  as  I presume  the  ultimate  determination 
of  the  British  Court  will  be  developed  at  the  meeting  of  Parlia- 
ment after  the  hollidays. 

Mrs.  Washington  joins  me  in  a tender  of  cordial  wishes  and  best 
respects  to  Mrs.  Warren,  she  would  have  done  herself  the  pleas- 
ure of  writing  but  the  present  conveyance  by  Cap.  Gilman  to 
Boston  was  sudden.  I am,  with  sincere  esteem  and  regard  Dr. 
Sir.  Yr.  Most  Obedt.  Ser. 

Go.  Washington 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

My  dear  Sir,  — Mr.  Hodgdon  forwarded  to  me  your  Letter  of 
April.  I thank  you  for  the  Concern  you  express  for  my  Health. 
It  is  a Blessing  which  I have  less  enjoyd  the  Winter  past  than 
in  any  equal  Part  of  my  Life.  I hope  by  the  Blessing  of  God  to 
recover  it  when  I may  have  the  Pleasure  of  living  in  my  own 
Country. 

We  have  had  on  the  Carpet  Questions  relating  to  our  Ministers 
abroad  — Whether  they  should  be  recalled.  It  was  agreed  that  the 
Question  be  put  severally  with  Respect  to  Each.  A Majority  of 
Voices  were  against  the  Recall  of  Doctor  Franklin,  though  some 
Gentlemen  spoke  warmly  against  him.1  That , for  the  Recall  of 
Dr.  Lee,  met  with  an  equal  Division,  and  so  it  was  lost.2  I will 
only  remark  to  you  that  after  long  Debates,  in  which  as  great 
Freedoms,  I suppose,  were  used  as  could  be  consistently  with 
Decency  and  Truth,  his  Abilities,  his  Integrity  and  warm  Attach- 
ment to  America  remain  unimpeachable.  It  is  unfortunate  when 
Attempts  are  made  to  remove  a Servant  of  the  Publick,  whose 
Fidelity  shines  the  brighter,  the  more  his  Conduct  is  sifted,  but  so 
it  will  happen  when  others  wish  to  supplant  him.  I do  not  say 
this  is  the  Case  at  present.  I hope  there  is  no  Motive  more  un- 
worthy; but  I will  not  answer  for  all  among  the  Thousands  in 
America,  who  may  conceive  themselves  lit  for  important  Trusts, 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xm.  500.  2 lb.,  xiv.  542. 


1779] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


I o I 


and  some  of  them  may  shortly  offer  themselves  with  a View  of 
serving  such  Purposes  as  may  not  be  agreable  to  others.  I suspect 
from  a Letter  which  I have  heard  publickly  read  that  our  Friend 
J.  A[dams]  is  or  will  be  as  obnoxious  to  a Party  as  Dr.  F[ranklin] 
and  Dr.  Lee,  and  for  the  same  Reason.  But  I will  tell  you  all 
when  I see  you.  Pray  inform  Mr.  Story  that  his  Petition  is  re- 
ferrd  to  the  Treasury  and  that  I expect  it  will  have  a favorable 
Issue.  Be  so  good  as  to  let  Mrs.  A.  know  that  I am  well,  but 
have  not  Time  to  write  to  her  now.  Adieu  my  Friend.  Yr.  affec- 
tionate 

S.  A 

May  nth,  ’79. 


James  Warren  to  Mercy  Warren 

Boston,  June  6th,  1779 

My  dear  Mercy,  — I have  read  one  Excellent  Sermon  this  day 
and  heard  two  others.  What  next  can  I do  better  than  write  to  a 
Saint.  What  if  she  has  Trembling  Nerves  and  a palpitating  Heart. 
She  has  good  Sense  she  has  Exalted  Virtue  and  refined  Piety.  She 
is  amiable  even  in  that  Weakness  which  is  the  Consequence  of  the 
Exquisite  delicacy  and  softness  of  her  Sex.  She  would  be  so  to  me 
if  she  had  more  of  that  rough  fortitude  which  the  Times  and  the 
Circumstances  pictured  in  her  Letter  of  the  2d  Instant  read  yes- 
terday may  seem  to  you  to  require.  All  Nature  is  a Mystery. 
Why  then  should  I Attempt  to  Explore  the  reasons  and  to  say  how 
it  is  that  a Mind,  possessed  of  a Masculine  Genius  well  stocked 
with  Learning,  fortified  by  Phylosophy  and  Religion,  should  be  so 
easily  Impressed  by  the  adverse  Circumstances  or  Inconveniences 
of  this  World;  but  this  will  happen  whether  we  can  account  for  it 
or  Not.  a brilliant  and  Busy  Imagination  often  if  not  always 
Accompanys  great  qualities.  It  Commands  Admiration  but  is 
often  Mischievous  and  when  yours  is  not  directed  to  the  bright 
side  of  things,  I often  wish  it  as  Sluggish  as  my  own,  but  I long  to 
Banter  and  Laugh  you  out  of  your  whimsical  Gloom.  What! 
want  Fortitude  because  I have  Faith,  curious  indeed;  be  un- 


102 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


hinged  because  self  Interest  Wickedness  and  Wicked  Men  Abound. 
When  was  it  Otherwise  — it  is  Glorious  to  defeat  them  “ and  after 
all  the  Struggle”  what?  Why  secure  to  ourselves  and  Entail  to 
Posterity  Independence,  Peace  and  Happiness.  This  is  a Subject 
for  an  Heroic  Poem  — rouse  therefore  Your  Muse.  Tune  it  with 
Nervous  harmony  to  Celebrate  the  Success  of  this  great  Struggle 
and  the  Characters  of  those  whose  Integrity  and  Virtue  have  de- 
feated the  Policy  and  Force  of  our  Enemies  and  above  all  that 
Providence  by  whose  direction  I verily  believe  without  a doubt  we 
shall  be  saved.  “I  cant  go  to  Congress,  I wont  go.”  Who  would 
not  with  the  Assurance  of  such  good  Company.  I never  thought 
of  it  before,  you  gave  such  great  Encouragement.  Sure  it  would 
be  a Charming  ride  to  shake  of  the  Chagrin  and  it  might  be  made 
on  Grand  Principles.  If  it  be  now  more  difficult  and  dangerous 
than  ever  it  will  be  more  glorious  in  proportion.  If  you  fie  on  the 
Sentiment  as  roman  Enthusiasm  I call  on  you  to  Contest  it.  If 
it  be  Just  you  must  practise  upon  it.  What  signify  Sentiments 
without  Exciting  virtuous  practise.  But  they  did  not  choose  me, 
so  there  is  an  End  of  all  my  Enthusiasm  and  your  fears.  Genl. 
Ward  is  Chose,  however  I will  claim  a little  Merit  with  you  if  it 
be  at  the  Expense  of  the  prophecies  of  my  sweet  Prophetess.  I 
prevented  my  own  and  promoted  his  Choice.  Her  little  trembling 
Nerves  was  among  the  Influential  reasons.  The  Others  I will  tell 
you  at  Another  Time,  only  be  assured  for  the  present  despair  of 
the  Cause  was  not  Among  them.  I think  there  will  soon  be  Another 
Choice  — perhaps  two.  will  you  go  if  I will.1 

We  have  an  Account  that  the  Enemy  are  gone  up  North  River. 
Some  say  they  have  destroyed  Peeks  Hill.  They  will  Catch  a 
Tartar  and  a dire  flogging  soon.  Why  should  I not  prophecy  as 
well  as  other  Folks?  My  next  may  tell  you  of  a Grand  Fleet  of 
our  Allies  in  these  Seas,  of  successful  operations  in  Europe  or  the 
West  Indies,  etc.,  etc,  to  make  your  Heart  beat  with  Joy  instead 
of  anxiety.  Two  ships  are  now  coming  in;  perhaps  they  may 
bring  the  News  I wish  for.  if  not  we  shall  have  it.  I Expect  to  get 
three  ships  away  this  week,  to  have  some  Share  in  raising  an  Army 
and  laying  a Tax  to  support  it,  and  then  to  fly  on  the  wings  of 

I The  choice  fell  upon  George  Partridge  and  Artemas  Ward. 


1779] 


TVarren-  Adams  Letters 


103 


Love  to  the  Arms  of  a Beloved  Wife  whose  I am  with  the  Greatest 
Affection 

J.  Warren 

No  Rain  yet  Oh,  Dismal.  I dread  a drought  more  than  the 
Arms  of  Britain  or  the  policy  of  Villains. 

I wrote  you  yesterday  by  Coll.  Freeman.  Perhaps  I shall  write 
you  again  Tomorrow.  You  cant  help  it  if  you  would,  nor  can  I 
if  an  oppy  presents  and  I can  get  a Minutes  Time.  Take  care  of 
your  Health  that  I may  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  well.  I 
am  glad  to  hear  Mrs.  Lothrop  Continues  to  grow  better.  My  Love 
to  her  and  the  Boys. 

Monday  Morning.  How  do  you  do  this  fine  Cool  Morning? 
I hope  very  well.  I am  persuaded  the  Faintness  and  Languor  and 
Complained  of  was  oweing  to  the  first  comeing  of  warm  weather. 
Perhaps  that  has  an  Influence  on  the  Mind  and  Spirits.  I am 
Nothing  is  a very  humble  Sentiment.  Did  ever  such  an  Idea 
pass  over  the  Imagination  of  a Poet  before.  If  it  returns  I advise 
you  to  set  down  and  write  a Satyr  on  Villains,  — there  are  enough 
of  them.  If  not  — take  in  the  Fools  then  I am  sure  you  will  have 
enough.  I am  sure  the  remedy  will  succeed  and  you  will  feel  a 
Laudable  Pride.  The  Ship  in  last  Night  is  a prize  of  the  Boston  — 
a French  Ship  from  So  Carolina  to  France  taken  by  a York 
Privateer  and  retaken  by  the  Boston. 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  N.  England,  June  13,  1779 
Dear  Sir,  — The  Providence  Frigate  and  a Packet  have  been 
long  held  in  readiness  to  proceed  to  France,  the  first  is  now  or- 
dered to  another  service  and  we  have  yet  no  orders  for  the  last, 
this  is  to  go  by  a small  private  Vessel  accidentally  met  with.  I 
dare  say  you  experience  in  common  with  us  the  Inconveniences 
of  the  little  Intercourse  between  Europe  and  America,  and  wish 
with  the  same  Anxiety  to  hear  from  here  that  we  often  do  from 
Europe.  We  seldom  hear  what  is  acting  on  your  Great  Stage,  and 


104 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


when  we  do  it  is  very  general,  that  great  preparations  still  continue 
to  be  made  in  France  and  Spain  and  of  numbers  of  prizes  carried 
into  their  Ports  without  any  declaration  of  War,  etc.  with  regard 
to  us  I presume  the  many  Letters  you  will  have  by  this  opportu- 
nity will  give  you  better  Information  than  my  Time  and  other 
Circumstances  will  admit  off.  The  Campaigne  is  now  fully  opened, 
at  least  on  the  side  of  the  Enemy,  and  seems  to  be  carrying  on 
with  more  vigour,  and  in  a different  Manner  from  former  ones, 
they  early  made  a descent  on  Georgia  with  a Considerable  Force, 
where  they  have  supported  themselves  much  longer  than  was  at 
first  expected,  and  if  the  Climate  don’t  do  more  for  us  than  the 
Exertions  and  military  prowess  of  the  Southern  States,  I fear  they 
will  penetrate  as  far  as  Charlestown,  tho  we  have  no  late  Intelli- 
gence on  which  to  ground  any  perticular  Accounts  of  the  State  of 
things  in  that  quarter.  A strong  detachment  of  the  Army  from 
New  York  with  such  Naval  Force  as  they  were  able  to  Muster 
have  made  a Sudden  Attack  upon  Virginia,  destroyed  Portsmouth 
in  that  State,  and  done  considerable  other  damage,  and  as  sud- 
denly returned  and  gone  up  the  North  River,  where  they  still 
remain  fortifying  some  places  and  endeavouring  to  possess  them- 
selves of  others,  this  military  finess  gives  us  reason  to  apprehend 
they  may  next  play  the  same  Game  somewhere  else,  and  perhaps 
some  parts  of  the  Eastern  States  may  be  the  Objects  of  the  next 
Maneuvre.  we  are  therefore  preparing  for  them,  but  the  State 
of  our  Currency,  and  the  selfish  avaricious  Spirit  prevailing  here, 
have  almost  extinguished  the  remains  of  Patriotism  you  left, 
created  innumerable  difficulties  and  rendered  our  exertions  lan- 
guid. However  Means  are  taking  and  I hope  will  be  effectual  to 
rouse  the  People  to  a Sense  of  their  true  Interest  and  to  excite 
them  again  vigorously  to  Unite  in  repelling  the  common  danger. 
Near  3000  men  are  now  raising  here  to  join  the  Army  as  soon  as 
possible  and  our  Militia  are  all  ordered  to  be  held  in  readiness  at  a 
minutes  warning,  but  our  greatest  difficulties  are  the  amazing 
depreciation  of  our  Money  and  the  scarcity  of  provisions,  espe- 
cially Bread,  you  may  form  some  idea  of  them  from  the  price  of 
Board  in  this  Town  from  45  to  50  dollars  per  week,  and  of  the 
first  from  the  prices  of  Molasses  8 dollars  gallon,  tho’  plenty  here 


1779]  IVarren -Adams  Letters  105 


and  every  thing  in  the  same  or  greater  proportion,  Bohea  Tea 
40  dollars  per  lb.,  and  of  the  last  from  the  prices  of  Indian  corn 
40  dollars  per  bushel,  and  meat  from  6/  to  8/  per  lb.  all  European 
Goods  are  also  excessive  high,  if  the  Subject  was  not  serious  and 
melancholy,  it  would  be  laughable  to  hear  the  rates  of  Gauze  and 
other  Geugaws,  and  to  see  the  eagerness  with  which  they  are  pur- 
chased, and  to  observe  the  Vanity,  Folly  and  Extravagance  which 
infests  all  ranks  of  People  in  their  Dress,  and  Liveing.  Every 
Bodys  Invention  has  been  strained  to  find  a remedy  without 
success.  Taxation  seems  to  be  the  only  one,  and  to  that  we  have 
got  pretty  well  reconciled,  the  General  Assembly  freely  granted 
a Tax  of  £1,000,000.  last  winter  that  is  now  collecting  with  little 
grumbling,  or  difficulty,  we  have  already  this  Session  without 
much  debate,  voted  another  of  £2,800,000.  part  of  which  is  to 
discharge  6 Million  of  dollars,  our  proportion  of  45  Million  re- 
quired of  the  several  States  by  Congress,  so  you  will  understand 
that  we  deal  in  our  Millions  as  well  as  Britain,  and  raise  them  as 
easily,  it  would  require  a volume  to  give  you  a minute  detail  of 
our  situation,  the  above  Sketch  must  suffice  for  the  present,  if 
you  ask  where  our  Army  is  I answer  I believe  the  Main  Body  are 
in  the  Jersies.  if  you  ask  what  they  are  doing,  I cant  tell. 

With  regard  to  our  Naval  Affairs,  you  may  expect  I should 
speak  with  more  precision,  as  I am  still  drudging  at  the  Navy 
Board  for  a morsel  of  Bread,  while  others,  and  among  them  fellows 
who  would  have  cleaned  my  shoes  five  years  ago,  have  amassed 
fortunes,  and  are  riding  in  chariots,  were  you  to  be  set  down  here 
you  could  not  realize  what  you  would  see.  you  would  think  you 
was  upon  enchanted  Ground  in  a world  turned  topsy  turvy, 
beyond  the  description  of  Hogarths  humourous  pencil  or  Chur- 
chills Satyr,  but  to  take  up  my  thread. 

The  French  Squadron  has  made  such  a diversion  in  the  West 
Indies,  that  we  have  been  but  little  troubled  with  their  frigates, 
and  indeed  they  have  but  very  few  Ships  on  these  Stations,  our 
frigates  and  privateers  have  succeeded  accordingly  and  made 
many  prizes,  and  among  others  taken  several  privateers  and 
Vessels  of  Force  as  you  will  see  by  the  Papers  we  send  by  this 
Vessel.  Adams,  Gerry,  Lovel,  and  Holton  are  still  at  Congress. 


io6  JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


Mr.  Adams  has  been  unwell  and  is  expected  here  every  day.  he  is 
returned  a Member  for  this  Town  and  is  chose  a Councellor,  so  he 
has  his  option  of  two  Seats,  which  he  will  take  I dont  know.  Mr. 
Dana  returned  last  August,  and  has  remained  ever  since  and  I 
believe  will  not  go  again.  H[ancoc]k  has  been  once  but  was  gone 
but  about  six  weeks,  he  tarried  at  Congress  but  about  2 weeks, 
the  air  of  Philadelphia  did  not  suit  him  on  a Common  Seat,  he 
returned  for  better  Health,  he  is  now  Speaker  of  our  House,  and  a 
sinecure  delegate  of  Congress,  the  last  serves  as  a feather  among 
others  in  his  cap,  to  decorate  an  Illustrious  Speaker.  Mr.  Edwards 
was  chose  last  winter,  has  resigned.  Gen’l  Ward  is  chose  in  his 
room  whether  he  will  go  I cant  say.  Your  Friend  and  Servant 
who  is  now  a Member  of  the  House  might  have  been  chose  but 
prevented  it,  and  promoted  the  other.  The  Letters  I forward 
from  your  good  Lady  will  inform  you  of  her  welfare.  I can  only 
add  that  I am  as  I ever  was  Your  Assured  Friend  and  Humble 
Servant, 

J.  Warren 

Do  let  me  know  what  you  are,  a Plenipo.,  a Commissioner,  or 
what,  that  I may  address  properly,  be  you  which  of  them  you  may 
you  are  an  object  of  Envy.  There  is  a Combination  Political  and 
Commercial  that  would  supplant  you  and  all  your  Brethren  in 
Europe  if  they  could,  they  wish  to  be  able  to  establish  their 
Aristocratic  Principles  and  to  make  their  fortunes  at  the  same 
time,  this  Party  neither  like  the  political  principles,  or  manners 
of  N.  England,  and  at  the  same  time  they  fear  them,  you  know 
them,  part  of  their  policy  therefore  is  to  reduce  their  trade,  and 
consequently  their  power  and  influence,  what  would  more  effec- 
tually do  that  than  by  ceding  all  right  and  claim  to  the  fishery  to 
get  a Peace,  rather  than  see  us  flourish,  they  would  be  content 
that  America  should  never  be  a Maritime  Power.  I want  to  say 
more  on  this  Subject,  but  I think  I wont,  if  our  Allies  should  fall 
into  their  views,  they  must  dismiss  all  expectations  of  Trade  from 
us,  we  shall  have  nothing  to  give  them.  Your  Predecessor  has  made 
a great  racket  here,  and  blew  up  a flame  that  I apprehended 
Mischief  from,  but  the  poor  Man  is  fallen  by  his  own  devices,  and 


1779] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


107 


the  Characters  of  the  Lees  are  established,  if  I had  a good  Memory 
I should  quote  a Text  from  the  Book  of  Proverbs  applicable  to 
this  matter. 


James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 

June  15  th,  1779 

General  Warren, — As  Mr.  Adams  is  on  his  Journey  to  Bos- 
ton it  is  not  essential  that  I should  now  write  minutely,  relative  to 
the  Points  which  have  been  agitated  here  lately;  all  proper  Com- 
munications will  be  made  to  you  by  him  in  a Way  to  which  an 
Epistle  is  only  a secondary  Satisfaction.  He  will  also  give  you  the 
whole  of  what  has  reached  us  yet  from  Sth.  Carolina,  touching  the 
good  Fortune  of  Genl.  Lincoln.  But  these  Considerations  would 
not  acquit  me  to  myself  if  I neglected  thus  early  to  acknowledge 
my  Obligations  to  you  for  the  obliging  Expression  of  your  “Desire 
to  be  considered  as  my  Friend,”  contained  in  your  Letter  of  May 
30th  which  reached  me  the  Night  before  last.  Be  assured,  dear 
Sir,  that  you  have  hereby  liquidated  a full  Page  in  my  Book  of 
Sufferings.  There  was  a Season  when  I counted  upon  Thousands 
and  Tens  of  Thousands;  but,  for  several  Months  back  I have  been 
fully  persuaded  that  all  my  Hazards  Toils  and  Watchings  were  to 
be  recompensed  by  the  Approbation  of  a virtuous  Few.  I wish  the 
“unusual  Anxiety  and  Weights  upon  your  Spirits”  may  be  thrown 
off  so  far  as  it  was  occasioned  by  the  Ultimata  which  are  one  time 
or  other  to  be  debated  here:  I cannot  but  think  a decent  Coalition 
would  take  Place  among  such  as  it  is  supposed  will  differ,  from 
local  Interests  or  varied  Degrees  of  Resolution.  I believe  our  Ally 
intends  well  for  us.  But  such  Belief  does  not  warrant  the  laying 
aside  political  Watchfulness:  Nor  should  the  Exertion  of  this  occa- 
sion any  Disgust  in  those  who  feel  themselves  to  be  thoroughly 
well  intentioned.  If,  after  Conversation  with  Mr.  S.  A[dams] 
you  wish  Informations  may  be  sent  from  this  Place  respecting  the 
Result  of  Points  not  quite  decided  when  he  left  us  relative  to  Cod 
and  Hadock,  I will  endeavor  to  give  you  all  the  Satisfaction  my 
Circumstances  will  allow.  You  will  always  consider  the  Distinc- 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1779 


108 


tion  between  catching  and  drying , being  Rights  with  widely 
differing  Foundations.1 

As  to  our  Money,  it  cannot  be  mended  but  by  stopping  the 
Press.  Taxes,  if  the  States  should  even  comply  punctually  with 
our  Recommendations,  which  their  past  Conduct  does  not  warrant 
us  to  look  for,  will  not  answer  by  themselves.  We  are  about  to 
borrow  20  Millions  of  the  People  on  probable  temptations.2  But 
can  we  offer  Interest  in  exact  Proportion  to  Exchange  to  such 
Persons  as  now  may  be  disposed  to  lend,  and  not  pay  the  same  to 
those  who  have  formerly  lent.  I think  not.  We  did  equal  Justice 
when  we  offered  Bills  on  France.  We  must  do  the  same  at  this 
Time.  Give  6 per  Cent  conditional,  to  rise  in  proportion  to  the 
Quantity  in  Circulation  at  the  Date  of  the  Certificate  and  the  Due 
of  Interest; 3 as,  unavoidably,  Something  of  an  Emission  must  go 
on,  till  we  are  otherwise  supplied.  For  my  Part,  I think  such  a 
Measure  would  alone  be  sufficient  to  obtain  much  Money. 

Some  Thoughts  are  suggested  of  holding  the  Principal  till  the 
Currency  shall  be  1 /8  appreciated;  but  this  is  holding  up  no  Temp- 
tation, for,  if  the  Press  is  stopped,  the  Appreciation  would  inevi- 
tably be  1/8  in  a very  short  Term  indeed. 

If  the  “Sacrifice  of  Consistency”  which  you  justly  notice  was 
made  in  a Case  where  there  were  Abilities  of  a Size  to  produce  any 
great  Events,  I should  be  more  chagrined  than  I am  at  observing 
the  public  Want  of  a republican  Delicacy  in  the  Case  stated. 

I am  sorry  that  the  Opportunities  for  Holland  were  not  the 
Carriers  of  my  Letters  as  I have  been  unlucky  here.  Our  worthy 
Friend  John  Adams  must  think  I neglect  him  in  his  very  odd 
Situation.  We  are  ripening  towards  Measures  which  must  induce 
an  immediate  and  definite  consequential  Disposition  of  him,  and 
I have  no  doubt  of  an  honorable  one.  As  to  the  Assents  and  Dis- 
sents in  our  tragicomical  Journals,  the  Grounds  of  them  are  hard 
to  be  fathomed;  and  the  Case  you  mention  is  a very  delicate  one; 
I dare  venture,  however,  to  say  that  it  is  not  to  be  accounted  for 
by  Want  of  Honesty,  but  rather  by  the  Quantity  of  that  Species 

1 Fishery  provisions  in  the  treaty  of  peace. 

2 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xiv.  717. 

3 “or  Depreciation”  is  written  in  the  margin. 


1779] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 09 


which  puts  us  off  of  Guard  against  the  Arts  of  designing  Men. 

By  hearsay  or  conjecture  you  are  become  so  much  Master  of  my 
Situation,  that  I shall  have  no  great  Fears  of  your  Reproof,  if, 
feeling  half  as  unwell  from  Watching  as  I do  at  present,  I shall, 
now  and  then,  omit  a direct  Return  to  your  kind  Correspondence. 
I slight  my  Feelings,  at  this  Time,  to  prove  my  ready  acceptance 
of  the  Intercourse  to  which  you  so  pleasingly  have  provoked 
Your  most  humble  Servant, 

James  Lovell 


James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 
Confidential.  July  13  th,  1779 

Dear  Sir,  — Three  days  ago  I wrote  to  Mr.  Adams  inclosing 
Papers  that  show  the  Spirit  of  the  Parties  in  a certain  little-great 
Assembly.  I must  ingeniously  acknowledge  to  you  that  if  I 
had  been  properly  convinced  that  Gr:  Britain  was  seriously  dis- 
posed for  Peace,  I should  have  rested  on  an  Instruction  to  our 
Plenipotentiary  “in  no  case  to  give  up  a common  right  of  Fishery.” 
But  I have  seen  Reason  to  wish  for  a Stipulation  that  Britain  shall 
not  disturb  us  in  the  Exercise  of  that  Right.  If  France  can  harbour 
no  too-interested  Views  in  regard  to  that  grand  Branch  of  Com- 
merce, Britain  surely  would  make  every  advantage  of  our  Inatten- 
tion to  it  at  the  Hour  of  Peacemaking.  And  it  has  seemed  to  me 
as  if  some  Persons  here  were  much  more  bent  upon  coaxing  than 
upon  forcing  a Peace  from  our  Enemy;  We  are  told  that  Passen- 
gers and  Letters  are  put  on  shore  in  Nth.  Carolina  from  a Vessel 
arrived  in  Cheseapeak  which  left  Rochelle  the  10th  of  May.  We 
have  not  had  a Line  from  our  Appointments  in  Frapce  for  a long 
Season.  Mr.  Gerard  reed.  Letters  via  Boston,  as  mentioned  in 
yr.  Gazettes  but  they  were  not  of  very  modern  date. 

We  had  a Communication  from  him  in  a private  Audience  1 
Yesterday  but  under  the  Injunctions  of  the  House  for  Secrecy, 
so  that  A and  B will  be  stigmatized  if  they  communicate  the 
Substance  in  a private  confidential  Letter,  should  they  be  dis- 
1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xiv.  821. 


I IO 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


[1779 


covered,  while  C and  D,  under  the  Signature  of  Americanus  or 
0 Tempora  0 Mores,  may  publish  the  whole  to  the  World  in  a 
News  Paper. 

I find  that  Gentlemen  in  your  Neighborhood  are  rather  back- 
ward to  accept  a Delegation  to  Congress.  The  Reasons  lay  fair  to 
Conjecture.  Some  cannot  in  Conscience  and  Honor  hold  several 
Appointments  incompatible  with  each  other;  and  Some  cannot 
bring  themselves  to  consent  to  sacrifice  Time,  Health  and  Estate 
for  a Station  of  abundant  Anxiety  and  an  equal  Portion  of 
Obloquy.  I presume  that  all  new  elected  Members  ought  to  come 
forward  before  an  old  one  though  he  has  had  a whole  years  Respite. 
One  of  your  State  would  have  had  a terrible  time  here  for  several 
months  back  if  he  had  been  an  acting  Delegate.  He  must  have 
gone  against  the  Interests  of  his  Constituents  or  the  Designs  of 
his  favorite  old  Associates. 

Mrs.  Lovell  writes  that  you  had  a Confirmation  of  the  Sth. 
Carolina  good  news  by  a Vessel  in  at  the  Hyannas.  I am  sorry  for 
that  preparatory  Contrast  to  what  I now  must  tell  you.  The 
Print  of  last  Tuesday  is  Full  on  the  Head  of  Disappointment;  and 
Genl.  Lincoln  writes  me  June  5th:  “Matters  are  not  going  on  right 
here  and  if  this  Department  is  not  immediately  attended  to  by 
Congress  and  an  army  sent  more  respectable  than  the  one  already 
here,  this  State  must  be  lost.  You  will  see  by  my  Letter  to  Con- 
gress that  by  the  10th  of  Augst.  there  will  be  but  few  troops  on  the 
Ground  unless  reinforcements  arrive,  which  I have  little  reason  to 
expect .”  I will  not  venture  to  write  to  you  concerning  the  State 
of  our  grand  army.  I will  leave  that  for  Major  Rice1  to  tell  with 
the  Minute  Anecdotes  of  the  Southern  Department.  With  Esteem 
and  Affection  your  humb  Servt. 

J.  L. 


r Nathan  Rice,  aid  to  General  Lincoln. 


1779] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


iii 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  N.  E.,  July  29th,  1779 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I am  told  that  in  the  few  Letters  which  have 
been  received  from  you  here  you  complain  greatly  that  your 
Friends  dont  write  to  you  oftener,  and  that  you  seldom  hear  from 
America.  I easily  conceive  such  a Situation  painful,  and  have  con- 
tributed my  mite  to  prevent  it  by  writing  by  every  good  oppor- 
tunity and  long  Letters  too,  for  I know  that  People  in  high  Sta- 
tions have  their  Curiosity  as  well  as  others,  and  if  they  assume 
Brevity  themselves  in  their  Letters,  they  love  to  have  matters  in 
detail  from  others,  upon  this  Principle  I filled  a large  sheet  which 
went  six  weeks  ago  per  Capt.  Thompson  in  a little  flying  Schooner, 
which  I dare  say  will  run  clear  and  deliver  you  the  Letter  in 
safety,  and  make  it  unnecessary  to  be  lengthy  in  this.  Our  Spirits 
have  been  alternately  raised  and  depressed  by  the  accounts  we 
have  had  at  different  times  from  South  Carolina,  sometimes  the 
British  Army  has  been  wholly  routed,  and  destroyed,  and  at 
others  were  advancing  with  a prospect  of  carrying  Charlestown, 
in  short  the  accounts  both  here  and  at  Philadelphia  have  been 
interrupted,  confused  and  uncertain.  I dont  learn  that  Congress 
ever  get  any  regular  Official  Accounts.  I had  a Letter  from  Mr. 
Lovel  of  the  18'ch  Instant,  in  which  he  gives  such  accounts  as  they 
had  received  from  Transient  Persons,  from  which  compared  with 
each  other  he  dared  only  to  infer  that  we  might  expect  good  Tid- 
ings from  thence.  I now  hear  a Vessel  arrived  at  New  London  in  a 
short  passage,  says  the  Britons  had  reached  their  Shipping  and 
Embarked.  I dont  understand  how  it  is  that  these  fellows  can 
prowl  about  a Country  for  six  months,  with  an  Army  of  Conti- 
nentals and  Militia  all  round  them,  and  then  get  off  without  much 
loss. 

Gen’l  Sullivan  is  gone  into  the  Woods  with  about  5000  Men. 
(an  Expedition  I have  no  great  Opinion  of)  while  the  Enemy  have 
been  ravaging  the  Coasts  of  Connecticut  and  burning  their  Towns, 
etc.,  etc.,  according  to  the  true  Spirit  of  Magnanimity  and  Hu- 
manity of  the  Plan  expressed  by  their  Commissioners,  if  there  be 
no  Check  to  their  proceedings,  it  seems  to  me  this  is  their  Plan  of 


1 12  IVarren- Adams  Letters  [1779 


Operation,  for  the  present  Campaigne.  if  it  be  Infamous  for  its 
Barbarism,  or  Contemptible  for  its  Malicious  Littleness,  British 
Historians  and  Poets  may  reconcile  it  if  they  can  to  their  boasted 
national  Politeness  and  Magnanimity,  or  which  is  more  probable 
deny  the  facts,  the  last  we  hear  of  them  is  at  Rhode  Island,  what 
Town  is  the  object  of  the  next  Expedition  is  uncertain.  I suppose 
they  will  soon  work  themselves  out  of  Stock  on  that  side  and 
must  come  round  the  Cape  to  find  new  objects  to  glut  their 
Cruelty  and  revenge. 

You  will  find  by  the  Papers  that  a Detachment  from  Gen’l 
Washington’s  Army  under  Gen’l  Wayne  has  shewn  what  the 
Spirit  of  Enterprize  may  do  if  exerted,  we  just  hear  that  Count 
D’Estaing  has  gained  a great  Naval  Victory  in  the  West  Indies. 
I wish  it  may  prove  true,  if  it  does  probably  some  of  their  Ships 
will  be  sent  this  way,  to  avoid  Hurricanes,  and  assist  us.  Our 
Continental  Ships  as  well  as  Privateers  have  been  very  success- 
full,  many  Prizes  are  sent  in.  We  are  now  engaged  in  an  Expedi- 
tion against  the  Enemy,  who  have  made  a Lodgment  at  Penob- 
scot. about  20  Sail  of  Armed  Vessels  of  different  forces  sailed 
about  10  days  ago  to  join  1600  Troops  assembled  at  the  Eastward, 
if  the  Enemy  do  not  draw  of  their  Force,  or  reinforce  them  they 
are  stupid  indeed,  if  they  do  the  last,  our  Fleet  may  be  in  danger, 
and  a Capital  Loss  may  ensue.  I gave  you  an  account  in  my  last 
of  the  deplorable  State  of  our  Currency,  since  which  an  alarm  of 
danger  from  that  quarter  has  become  so  general,  as  to  form  Asso- 
ciations of  Merchants  and  a pretty  general  Convention  of  dele- 
gates from  the  several  Towns  at  Concord.  I have  some  Expecta- 
tions from  these  measures,  whether  they  sprung  from  Fear,  or  a 
resolute  Fortitude,  from  self  Interest,  or  genuine  Patriotism,  you 
will  see  their  several  proceedings  in  the  Papers. 

In  September  we  are  to  have  a Convention  at  Cambridge  to 
form  a Constitution  of  Government,  this  is  to  go  by  the  Mercury 
Packet  Capt.  Samson,  who  carries  dispatches  of  Congress,  what 
they  contain  I dont  know,  I hope  some  honourable  appointment 
for  you.  I have  felt  some  resentment  lately  for  your  detention  in 
Europe  without  being  in  a public  active  Character  and  Station. 
I am  however  assured  by  Mr.  Adams  that  a great  Majority  of 


1779] 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


n3 


Congress  have  very  favourable  Sentiments  and  designs  with 
regard  to  you. 

There  goes  Passenger  in  this  Packet  Mr.  Elkanah  Watson,1  a 
young  Gentleman  I am  told  of  very  good  Character,  he  is  Son  of 
Capt.  Watson  of  this  Town,  and  a remote  relation  of  mine,  he  has 
lived  and  served  his  Time  with  John  Browne  of  Providence,  and  I 
suppose  is  now  in  pursuit  of  Commercial  plans,  he  intends  to  go 
to  Paris,  and  seems  to  be  possessed  of  a Laudable  Ambition  to  be 
taken  Notice  of  by  Gentlemen  of  distinction,  you  will  therefore 
by  some  Attention  to  him  cherish  a good  Principle  in  the  Mind  of 
a youth  and  oblige  Your  Friend  and  Humble  Servant, 

J.  Warren 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Sir,  — This  Morning  your  Vigalent  and  invariable  Friend 
wrote  you  a Long  Letter  which  makes  it  unnecessary  for  me  to 
take  up  my  pen,  nor  should  I have  done  it  by  this  opportunity, 
but  in  Compliance  with  the  Wishes  of  Him  who  is  so  partial  as  to 
think  it  in  my  power  to  Contribute  to  the  Entertainment  of  a 
Gentleman  who  (from  Interest,  from  Vanity,  and  from  more 
Noble  principles)  has  such  a Multitude  of  Correspondents.  There 
is  such  Variety  of  Genius  occasionally  exerted  in  this  way  that 
were  it  not  for  the  adverse  Circumstances  which  prevents  a safe 
passage  you  would  have  Little  Cause  to  Complain  that  you  was 
Forgotten  on  this  side  the  Atlantic.  Your  Iliad  would  be  Replete 
with  Inteligence  and  your  Cabinet  Crouded  with  Epistolary 
Lumber,  among  which  if  you  had  Leasure  to  Retrospect  you 
would  find  several  unanswered  from  a Lady  who  makes  no  Claim 
to  a Reply  but  from  your  politeness  and  Friendship.  Neither  of 
which  will  I suspect  or  Censure  till  assured  in  some  Future  para- 
graph that  you  have  not  time  to  answer  Letters  but  when  the 
Interest  of  the  public  or  the  Indispensable  Duties  of  private  Life 
Require  it. 

Certain  I am,  did  all  the  political,  Military,  and  Gubenatorial 

I (1758-1842),  author  of  Men  and  Times  of  the  Revolution. 


1 14  barren -Adams  Letters  [1779 


Observations  which  are  Designed  for  your  perusal  Reach  the 
Gardens  of  Passy,  you  would  be  willing  to  unbend  a Little,  by 
indulging  to  the  familiar  style  of  Female  Composition.  But  as 
most  of  them  have  been  Lost  through  fear,  Misfortune,  accident 
or  Treachery,  I imagine  the  Avidity  is  still  kept  up,  and  that  you 
open  Every  paquet  with  Expectation  and  desire  to  Investigate 
the  Plans  of  statsmen  and  survey  the  Martial  opperations  of  the 
Heros  of  a Country  whose  Honour  and  Happiness  you  have  so 
much  at  Heart. 

And  though  no  one  is  better  qualified  to  penetrate  the  Arcana 
of  American  politics  than  yourself,  yet  I think  you  must  be  sur- 
prised at  the  inconsistency  of  Character  which  appears  in  some 
and  at  a Loss,  if  not  for  the  stimulus  that  provoked,  yet  for  the 
Influence  which  carried  into  Execution  certain  Resolves  which 
have  been  painful  to  the  best,  and  a Rich  Repast  to  the  Worst 
Men  that  Disgrace  your  Native  Land. 

How  much  longer  shall  we  be  Embarassed  and  Distressed  by 
the  selfish  insiduous  arts  of  Gamblers,  Courtiers,  and  Stock 
Jobbers  among  ourselves,  while  a Mercyless  Foe  is  laying  waste 
our  Borders,  Burning  our  Defenceless  Cities,  and  Murdering  the 
Innocent  of  all  ages  and  Ranks. 

The  spirit  of  party  has  entered  into  all  our  Departments,  the 
Deanites,  that  is  to  say  the  Votaries  of  pleasure  or  the  Men  of 
Taste  and  Refinement , make  no  inconsiderable  Figure.  Some  Deify 
the  phantom  Fashion,  whether  she  appears  in  a French,  a British, 
or  American  Dress:  while  others  Worship  only  at  the  shrine  of 
plutus.  yet  the  old  Republicans,  (a  solitary  few)  with  decent 
solemnity  and  confidence  still  persevere,  their  Hands  unstained 
by  Bribes,  though  poverty  stares  them  in  the  face,  their  hearts 
unshaken  by  the  Levity,  the  Luxury,  the  Caprice  or  Whim,  the 
Folly  or  ingratitude  of  the  times,  when  we  survey  the  picture  we 
cannot  but  sigh  with  a late  celebrated  writer,  “Alas  for  poor 
Human  Nature.” 

On  my  way  from  Boston  I lodged  a week  since  at  the  foot  of 
Pens  Hill,  the  Family  there  are  well,  and  as  happy  as  possible  in 
the  absence  of  a Tender  Husband,  and  a Fond  Father.  More 
perticuler  accounts  you  will  doubtless  have  by  this  conveyance 


1779] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


from  the  Mistress  of  the  Mansion.  There  I had  the  pleasure  of 
seeing  your  signature  to  several  short  Letters  which  lead  us  to 
hope  our  Calamities  will  be  shortened,  or  Rather  not  increased. 

As  from  a long  Friendship  with  him,  and  a perticular  Intimacy 
with  his  Lady,  I feel  myself  sensibly  touched  by  the  Death  of  Dr. 
Winthrop,  I cannot  but  mingle  a simpathetic  tear  on  this  occasion 
with  you,  and  his  philosophic  Friend  at  Passy.  Both  of  whom  so 
highly  esteemed,  and  were  so  intimately  acquainted  with  his  Vir- 
tues, in  his  literary,  patriotic,  and  Christian  Character.  I fear  it 
will  be  long  before  Harvard  sees  a successor  that  will  fill  the 
Chair  of  the  professor  with  Equal  Honour  and  Ability.1 

Let  me  assure  you  sir,  when  I begun  this  I designed  but  one 
page  but  you  are  so  well  acquainted  with  the  Loquacity  of  the  sex 
that  you  will  easily  believe  I check  my  own  inclinations  when  at 
the  Bottom  of  the  Third  I subscribe  the  Name  of  your  sincere 
Friend  and  Humble  Servant 

Marcia  Warren 

Plimouth,  July  29,  1779. 


Mercy  Warren  to  Abigail  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Eleriver,  August  6,  1779 

My  Dear  Friend,  — 

And  are  you  sure  the  News  is  true, 

And  are  you  sure  He’s  come. 

Beneath  the  shady  Forrest  of  Ele  River,  while  my  Best  Friend 
has  walked  towards  the  fertile  plain,  to  survey  the  Reapers,  or 
perhaps  ascends  the  Rugged  Hills  to  view  the  sportive  Flocks,  I 
take  up  my  pen  to  congratulate  you,  most  sincerely  to  congratu- 
late you  on  the  safe  Return  of  yours,  from  the  busy  and  wearisome 
scenes  of  politics,  pleasure,  and  politeness,  to  the  still  Delights  of 
Domestic  Felicity,  where  the  Gladned  Mother  can  scarcely  sup- 
press the  tear  of  Rapture,  to  listen  and  smile  alternately  at  the 
Narrations  of  her  young  traveler,  and  the  simple  tale,  with  which 

1 Prof.  John  Winthrop  died  May  3,  1779.  Mrs.  Warren  composed  some  verses  ad- 
dressed to  the  widow  which  are  printed  in  her  Poems,  235. 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1779 


1 1 6 


the  two  younger  Masters  (emulous  for  papahs  Attention)  strive 
to  entertain  him,  while  the  observing  Daughter  silently  watches 
every  accent,  and  treasures  up  every  article  of  Inteligence  for  her 
future  improvement,  the  Father  thanks  his  Negligent  Country- 
men for  suffering  him  so  soon  to  Indulge  in  the  Highest  Joys  of 
Life.  But  the  Patriot  must  secretly  chide  the  want  of  Decission, 
that  Inattention  to  the  Interests  of  the  States,  that  has  permited 
him  thus  early  to  leave  Europe,  when  by  a longer  stay  he  might 
have  rendered  them  such  essential  service.1 

When  I participate  the  Family  Happiness,  and  take  a part  in 
the  Felicity  of  my  Friend,  I flatter  myself  it  is  an  Emenation  of 
Benevolence. 

But  there  is  not  a spark  of  patriotism  in  the  Cordial  Gratula- 
tion  in  the  larger  scale  which  is  the  Measure  of  patriotic  Merit, 
what  are  the  little  streams  of  social  affection,  the  Heart  felt 
pleasure  of  the  Wife,  the  parent  and  the  Friend,  who  would  not 
sacrifice  without  a sigh  these  smaller  Considerations  when  pro 
bono  publico  requires,  always  assured  of  the  Gratitude  and  ap- 
plause of  the  unchanging  Multitude. 

But  to  be  serious  both  you  and  I wish  well  to  our  Country,  and 
will  hope  that  some  Good  may  result  even  from  the  Mistakes  of 
her  Rulers. 

It  is  strongly  impressed  on  my  mind  that  the  Return  of  a 
Gentleman  rather  unexpectedly  to  his  American  Friends,  may  give 
a New  turn  to  the  state  of  parties,  and  eventually  be  productive 
of  Happy  Consequences.  But  my  design  is  to  say  little  of  public 
affairs.  The  full  Heart  enwrapt  (after  the  Anxieties  and  impa- 
tience of  a long  absence)  in  the  tender  scenes  of  Mutual  affection 
has  no  Room  at  presjent  for]  Foreign  Cares,  yet  hope  your  own 
Happiness  will  not  prevent  the  Recollection,  nor  his  Avocations 
the  Completion  of  a promise  you  made  when  we  parted  to  come 
to  Plimouth  soon  after  Mr.  Adams  came  home,  you  little  thought 
then  I should  have  a Demand  upon  you  so  soon.  However  I 
shall  not  relinquish  it.  I will  not  admit  even  the  Indolence  of 
Felicity  as  an  Excuse.  And  though  it  has  been  observed  by  some 
that  Indolence  is  characteristic  of  Genius,  I think  Generosity 

1 John  Adams  returned  from  France  August  2,  1779- 


1779] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 1 7 


indicates  a Greatness  of  soul  that  will  supply  the  Defects  of 
Genius,  but  when  we  seen  them  united  in  their  Exertions  to 
Bestow  Happiness,  we  then  see  the  perfection  of  Human  Nature. 
And  with  my  Friendly  and  Respectful  Compliments  to  Mr. 
Adams  you  will  tell  him  this  Visit  shall  be  placed  on  the  List  of 
Charities.  But  if  he  is  a Believer  in  the  Doctrine  of  supereroga- 
tion., he  will  have  more  to  do,  for  more  will  certainly  be  required. 
Mean  time  I shall  hear  from  you  both  if  you  wish  to  Gratify 
your  assured  and  affectionate  Friend 

Marcia  Warren 

My  Regards  to  Monsieur  Francy[?],  and  to  the  sister  of  the 
young  Frenchman. 


James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 

Aug.  13  th,  1779 

Dear  Sir  , — Tho’,  on  the  one  hand,  I may  be  perfectly  right  in 
supposing  that  it  is  almost  immaterial  to  which  individual,  of  a 
select  number  of  Patriots  in  Boston  who  honor  me  with  their 
Correspondence,  I,  from  time  to  time,  make  direct  confidential 
Communications,  immaterial  I mean  so  far  as  relates  to  the  meer 
matter  of  Information,  yet,  surely  it  must  appear  odd,  at  least,  if 
not  ungrateful,  that  I should  send  Scrawl  after  Scrawl  to  one  who 
replys  in  the  Ratio  of  two  to  seven  while  I suffer  a long  very 
entertaining  Letter,  from  another,  of  July  19th  to  lay  by  me  un- 
acknowledged ten  days. 

Apprized  as  you  must  have  been  by  Mr.  S.  A[dams]  of  the 
Principles,  Views  and  Conduct  of  most  political  Men  here,  you 
may  notwithstanding  have  been  unacquainted  even  till  now  with 
the  exact  Contents  of  a Paper  which  is  handed  about  in  a particu- 
lar Circle  in  your  Neighbourhood  so  as  to  influence  the  minds  of 
some  good  men  as  well  as  to  strengthen  the  Plots  of  some  bad 
ones.  I wish  you  to  see  it.  Mr.  Ellis  Gray  a worthy  Man,1  will 

1 He  had  been  chairman  of  the  Boston  Committee  of  Correspondence,  Inspection  and 
Safety  in  1776. 


1 1 8 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


[1779 


put  you  in  the  Train  of  having  it,  I doubt  not:  it  is  too  much  for 
me  to  copy  at  this  Time,  and  perhaps  needless.  For  if  Mr.  Gray 
cannot  furnish  you  with  it  Mr.  Thos.  Cushing  can.  The  latter  also 
can,  if  he  will,  tell  by  whose  extraordinary  Care  it  was  sent  to 
Boston.  I own  I have  much  Curiosity  to  know. 

Sir,  you  may  see  the  low  arts  that  have  been  used  to  prejudice 
the  Minds  of  Congress  so  far  as  to  make  them  destroy  the  good 
Man’s  prospect  of  the  best  Reward  in  Republics  — the  approba- 
tion of  the  People.  You  may  see  it  by  the  Use  that  has  been  made 
of  the  following  Scrap  laid  on  the  Table  by  Mr.  G.  Morris  May 
3d,  1779.  Tis  the  Extract  of  a Letter  from  Paris  dated  the  7th  of 
Deer.,  1778,  and  said  to  be  written  by  a confidential  Friend  of  the 
Minister  of  the  Marine.  Mr.  Holker  furnished  it,  so  that  it  was 
probably  to  him. 

“Mr.  J Adams,  le  Depute  ne  reussit  pas  ici  que  de  Raison:  il  parait  etre 
entierement  livre  au  Sr.  Lee,  lequel  comme  vous  le  scavez  est  une  espece  de 
fol.” 

Mr.  J.  Adams  the  Deputy  does  not  succeed  here  further  than  is  reasonable: 
He  appears  to  be  intirely  devoted  to  Mr.  Lee,  who,  as  you  know,  is  a sort  of 
mad-man. 

The  rest  of  the  paper  relates  to  an  appointment  of  a Monsr. 
D’Obre  1 who  is  Son  in  Law  of  Mr.  Schweighauser  at  Nantes,  in- 
sinuating that  he  betrays  our  Vessels  to  the  People  of  Jersey  be- 
cause he  is  Son  of  the  Mair  of  that  Place.  The  Maliciousness  of 
which  I have  many  Vouchers  by  me  that  prove.  The  Paper  con- 
cludes with  an  assertion  that  if  Doctr.  Franklin  is  not  sole  Deputy 
in  France  Things  will  go  on  but  lamely  or  in  his  own  Phrase  with 
“but  one  wing.” 

I hope  Mr.  Adams  will  in  a few  days  be  with  you:  he  was  left 
off  the  western  Isles  on  the  29th  of  June  by  a Vessel  which  arrived 
at  Virginia  Aug.  1st.  I hope  he  will  come  soon  on  to  Congress. 
And,  as  C[u]sh[in]g  says,  “People  here”  are  of  opinion  that  he 
ought  not  to  come  as  a Delegate,  but  in  his  present  Character, 
and  with  a proper  Dignity,  as  if  he  was  fit  to  deal  with  a gallant 
Nation.  “People  here,”  are  my  Circle.  If  Mr.  Afdams]  is  reso- 
lutely determined  not  to  negotiate  a Peace  for  us  upon  being 

1 Dobree. 


1779] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


n9 


unanimously  chosen  for  such  a Work,  then  I would  wish  him  to 
have  an  Election  as  Delegate  if  he  only  tarries  a Month  upon  it; 
the  Election  to  be  made  after  he  is  here. 

As  to  Peace,  I am  persuaded  the  eastern  Delegates  have  always 
been  justly  dubious  of  the  reality  of  any  honest  Intentions  in 
Britain,  tho’  we  were  sure  France  and  Spain  were  willing  to  know 
our  Sentiments  about  Newfoundland  and  the  Floridas.  I am 
pretty  sure  that  what  the  Gazettes  say  of  the  Mediation  of  Spain 
being  rejected  is  true.  Mr.  Adams  has  sent  Word  that  he  is  com- 
ing with  good  News,  and  I am  told  that  a Vessel  is  now  in  this 
River  after  a short  Passage  from  Nantes.  I will  go  to  Congress 
and  will  not  seal  till  I know  whether  I can  tell  you  any  Thing 
more  explicitly. 

I find  no  Letters  or  Intelligence.  But  shall  probably  give  you  a 
Confirmation  by  next  post  of  what  we  are  told  authentically  from 
Martinique.  With  much  Esteem  I am,  Sir,  Your  humble  Servant, 

James  Lovell 

[Endorsed:]  I broke  the  Seal  to  tell  that  on  the  28th  of  July  at 
15  Leagues  from  Boston  in  Latt  42  Mr.  Adams  was  left  in  the 
Sensible  36  Guns  with  a Vessel  of  24  and  several  of  14  and  16. 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

[1 September , 1779?] 

Madam,  — A few  days  ago,  I was  favoured  with  your  obliging 
Letter  of  29  July,  and  am  much  obliged  to  the  Gentleman  who 
perswaded  you  to  write,  as  well  as  to  you,  for  complying  with  his 
Desire. 

I shall  never  have  so  many  Correspondents  as  to  make  me 
neglect  the  Letters  of  a Lady,  whose  Character  I revere  so  much 
and  whose  Correspondence  I prize  so  highly.  I have  had  the 
Pleasure  of  two  Letters,  at  Passy,  both  of  which  I very  punctually 
answered,  and  should  have  answered  all  if  they  had  been  one 
hundred. 

In  Truth,  Madam,  I had  very  little  Intelligence  from  America 


120 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1779 


during  my  Absence.  Your  Friend,  was  as  usual  my  best  Corre- 
spondent, among  the  Gent.  From  Congress  I could  obtain  no 
Intelligence  at  all. 

If  I comprehend  the  Resolves  you  mention,  I am  not  at  a Loss 
for  the  Influence,  that  obtained  them.  A factious  Demagogue, 
disappointed  in  his  Views  of  Ambition  and  Avarice,  assisted  by, 
a numerous  Band  of  mercantile  Speculators  in  Contract  with  him, 
on  both  side[s]  the  Water,  with  a factious,  foreign  Minister,  Con- 
sel,  and  Vice  Consull,  have  forced  up  into  Vegetation  these  Hot- 
bed Plants,  by  the  best  opinion  I can  form. 

I fear,  Madam,  we  shall  be  much  longer,  distressed  by  Gamblers 
and  Stockjobbers.  I can  see  no  End  to  it.  Yet  sometimes  Things 
are  ordered  better  than  we  can  foresee. 

The  Follies  and  Frivolities  of  our  Countrymen,  are  too  Serious 
to  be  ridiculous.  Time  however,  and  the  Perseverance  of  the  few 
who  now,  disapprove  them,  may  produce  a Cure.  We  shall  find, 
by  and  by,  that  those  who  corrupt  our  Symplicity,  will  be  re- 
strained. The  Government,  influenced  chiefly  by  the  Yeomanry 
will,  after  a little  while,  take  Care  of  the  Coxcombs  and  Coquettes. 

Our  Calamities,  I think,  will  not  be  greatly  increased,  altho 
they  may  be  prolonged. 

I join  with  you,  most  sincerely,  Madam,  in  deploring  the  Loss 
of  our  great  and  excellent  Friend  Dr.  Winthrop,  for  whose  Name 
and  Character  I shall  ever  entertain  the  highest  Veneration. 
The  University,  the  State  and  the  Republick  of  Letters,  have  all 
Cause  to  lament  the  Death  of  this  able  and  amiable  Man.  I am 
with  great  Respect,  and  Esteem, 

John  Adams 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Braintree,  Sept,  n,  1779 

My  dear  F riend,  — I was  told  in  Boston  that  Mr.  Avery 1 and 
Mr.  Wendell 2 had  been  proposed  for  Judges  of  the  Infferiojr  C[our]t 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  in  the  Room  of  my  Friend  Pemberton.3 

1 John  Avery,  died  1796.  2 Oliver  Wendell  (1733-1818). 

3 Samuel  Pemberton  had  died  August  21,  1779- 


1779] 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


I 2 I 


I said  not  a Word,  but  since  I have  been  at  home,  I have  reflected 
upon  this  and  altho  these  Gentlemen  have  amiable  Characters  I 
cannot  think  them  so  well  qualified  for  this  Place  as  Mr.  Cranch,1 
whose  great  Natural  Abilities,  and  whose  late  Application  to  the 
Study  of  the  Law  and  to  public  affairs,  made  him  occur  to  my 
Mind.  It  is  the  first  Time  of  my  whole  Life,  that  I recollect  that 
I ever  proposed  a Relation  of  mine,  for  a Place,  and  I certainly 
should  not  have  done  it  in  this  Case,  if  he  had  not,  entirely  with- 
out my  knowledge  untill  my  arrival,  been  brought  into  public  View. 
If  you  think  as  I do,  that  the  public  will  be  as  faithfully  and  ably 
served  by  such  an  Appointment,  as  by  any  other,  and  will  men- 
tion it  to  Mr.  Sever,2  who  is  acquainted  with  him,  perhaps  it  may 
be  proposed  in  Council.  There  is  but  one  objection  that  I know 
of,  and  that  is,  he  is  my  Brother.  This  may  be  enough.3  in  haste 
yours, 

John  Adams 


James  Warren  to  James  Lovell 

Boston,  [ December , 1779] 

My  dear  Sir,  — Two  Days  ago  recieved  your  kind  favour  of 
the  29th  Novr.  I am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  attention  to 
my  Reputation.  I am  not  at  all  surpriz’d  at  the  Arts  of  base  men. 
I have  seen  so  many  of  them  during  the  Course  of  my  Pilgrimage 
that  they  are  become  familiar,  but  in  no  way  can  they  attack  me 
with  so  little  effect  as  by  Imputations  or  Suggestions  of  Fraud  or 
Negligence  in  my  public  Conduct.  I entred  into  the  Service  of  the 
Public  from  the  purest  Principles.  I have  serv’d  them  a great 
while;  I have  spent  in  that  way  the  best  Part  of  my  Life,  and 
sacrific’d  my  Interest,  and  now  my  Conscience  bids  me  brave 
every  attack  upon  my  Integrity  and  assiduity,  were  my  abilities 
equal  to  either,  I would  extend  the  Challenge.  No  Instance  per- 
haps was  ever  mark’d  with  more  malevolence,  than  that  you  have 

1 Richard  Cranch  (1726-1811),  who  had  married  a daughter  of  Rev.  William  Smith. 

2 William  Sever  (1729-1809). 

3 A letter  from  James  Warren  to  Arthur  Lee,  September  17,  1779,  is  printed  in  Lee, 
Life  of  Arthur  Lee,  11.  271. 


12  2 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  U779 


given  me  a Copy  of,  and  the  Falsehood  and  Misrepresentation  are 
equal  to  the  malice,  all  these  are  so  gross  and  the  Improbability 
so  glaring,  that  nothing  but  the  manner  of  conveying  the  Informa- 
tion can  entitle  it  to  the  attention  of  the  marine  Comtee  or 
induce  them  to  lay  it  before  Congress  on  that  Subject  I need  make 
no  observations.  I shall  only  say  to  you  that  whatever  Notice 
is  taken"  of  it,  the  N[avy]  B[oard]  are  ready  for  the  severest 
Scrutiny,  the  N.  B.  have  great  merit,  they  have  done  nearly  all 
the  Business  of  your  Navy,  which  is  a full  Evidence  of  their  Dili- 
gence. their  Integrity  will  appear  on  examination,  and  if  I mis- 
take not  will  shine  in  Proportion  to  the  Strictness  of  the  Scrutiny. 
We  have  done  Business  enough  to  earn  a fortune  and  are  now  so 
far  from  making  one  that  all  the  emoluments  we  have  ever 
deriv’d  from  this  Office  have  not  paid  our  simple  board,  at  the 
most  moderate  rate,  without  a Glass  of  Wine  for  ourselves  or  any 
Indulgence  whatever.  The  Commissions  mention’d  in  the  anony- 
mous Letter  are  groundless  and  ridiculous,  and  so  indeed  is  the 
whole,  unless  what  relates  to  Mr.  Deshon’s  agency  for  the  french 
at  N.  London  which  may  be  true  or  false,  I know  nothing  about  it. 
with  Regard  to  the  authors  I have  no  difficulty  about  them,  or  the 
motives  to  this  Business,  the  authors  are,  I think,  displac’d  offi- 
cers and  their  Connections,  and  their  motives  are  resentment  and 
Revenge  and  the  whole  Process  is  in  Character,  but  I forbear  to 
take  up  your  time  or  give  you  further  Trouble  on  this  Subject  and 
only  say,  that  if  Congress  at  any  time  choose  to  appoint  a better 
man  in  my  room,  I shall  be  glad  to  resign.  I should  have  done  it 
before  for  other  reasons,  if  I had  not  attended  to  the  requests  of 
my  Friends,  for  I really  cannot  afford  to  stay  here  unless  Congress 
have  increased  our  Salarys. 

A great  Dearth  of  foreign  News  has  prevail’d  here  for  a long 
time  and  our  Impatience  is  severely  tried  on  this  Occasion,  much 
was  expected  from  the  great  military  and  naval  operations  in 
Europe,  and  we  get  nothing  certain  about  them,  a rumor  prevails 
this  morning  that  a vessel  at  Cape  Ann  from  Martinico  brings 
advice  that  the  English  and  combin’d  Fleets  in  Europe  are  call’d 
in,  and  that  a treaty  of  Peace  under  the  mediation  of  Russia  was 
on  foot,  this  is  far  from  being  certain,  if  it  proves  true  it  will  have 


1780] 


IV arren  -Adams  Letters 


123 


a sudden  and  curious  operation  upon  our  Currency  and  com- 
mercial matters,  our  internal  matters  remain  pretty  much  in 
their  usual  Situation.  I suppose  you  are  before  now  informed  of 
the  Election  of  all  the  members  of  Congress  for  this  State,  and  of 
Genl.  Ward  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Dana.  I hear  Genl.  Hancock 
intends  soon  to  set  out  for  Congress  that  he  may  be  able  to  return 
home  early  in  the  Spring. 

The  French  Frigate  that  carried  Mr.  Adams  has  been  spoke 
with  seven  Days  after  sailing,  200  Leagues  to  the  Eastward,  all 
well  I hope  she  is  now  in  France. 

I beg  my  Compliments  may  be  made  to  your  Brethren,  and 
particularly  to  my  good  Friend  Mr.  Gerry.  I am  your  Friend  and 
humble  Servt. 


Elbridge  Gerry  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Jany.  25,  1780 

My  dear  Sir,  — It  is  a long  Time  since  We  have  heard  from  our 
Friends  eastward,  and  We  impute  it  to  the  Severity  of  the  Winter, 
but  yesterday  I received  by  the  Post  your  agreable  Favour  of  the 
27th  Deer.,  the  Desire  of  which  was  increased  by  the  Detention. 

I should  have  been  glad  to  have  seen  your  Remarks  on  the 
anonymous  Letter,  but  Mr  Lovell  informs  me,  he  has  not  yet 
received  them. 

The  Policy  of  America  will  succeed  or  fail  in  my  Opinion,  in 
proportion  to  her  Exertions  for  establishing  a Navy.  I well  re- 
member that  You  was  the  first  to  promote  it,  and  altho  it  was 
disapproved  by  some  in  Point  of  Time,  the  Benefit  derived  from 
the  Measure  has  clearly  manifested  the  Wisdom  of  it.  the  State  of 
our  Finances  will  check  it’s  present  Growth,  but  I doubt  not  that 
it  will  soon  flourish,  and  that  Time  will  suggest  Improvements  in 
the  Arrangements  and  Regulations  of  the  Boards  that  are  ap- 
pointed to  cherish  and  conduct  it.  I am  very  sensible  that  the 
officers  of  these  Departments  have  been  poorly  rewarded,  and  was 
lately  of  a Committee  who  reported  that  their  present  Salaries 
should  have  a Retrospect  to  Novr.  1778,  but  the  Subject  is  not  yet 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


124 


considerd  by  Congress:  I think  however  that  You  have  their 
fullest  Confidence. 

Congress  have  not  yet  determined  whether  to  remove  eastward 
or  southward;  both  are  talked  of,  but  your  Remarks  respecting 
the  Navy,  are  conclusive  in  my  Mind,  in  Favour  of  the  former. 

The  great  objects  of  Attention  in  Congress  are  Oeconomy  and 
Resources.  Necessity  dictates  their  Measures,  and  I hope  will 
produce  salutary  Effects,  the  Departments  of  the  Muster  and 
Barrack  Masters  are  abolished  and  the  Business  of  the  former 
annexed  to  the  office  of  Inspector.  Generals  Schuyler  and  Mifflin 
and  Colo  Pickering  are  appointed  a Committee,1  with  full  Powers 
to  inform  themselves  by  Inspection  or  otherwise  of  the  State  of  the 
Staff  Departments,  to  call  on  any  of  the  officers  thereof  for  Infor- 
mation, to  discharge  all  persons  therein  that  are  supernumerary 
or  delinquent,  to  break  up  unnecessary  issuing  Posts  and  establish 
others  where  requisite,  to  stop  all  Issues  of  Rations  not  indis- 
pensibly  necessary  for  the  Service,  and  in  Conjuncture  with 
General  Washington  to  reduce  the  Number  of  Horses  and  Waggons 
in  the  Service  and  Expence  of  Transportation,  and  to  adopt  a 
general  Reformation  of  the  Departments,  the  States  are  to  be 
also  called  on  for  their  respective  quotas  of  Supplies  and  authorized 
to  stop  all  purchases  by  continental  officers,  when  Measures  are 
adopted  for  complying  with  the  Requisitions  of  Congress;  and  to 
induce  the  States  to  purchase  cheap,  they  are  to  be  credited  equal 
prices  for  Articles  of  the  same  Kind  and  quality,  and  in  proportion 
for  other  Articles. 

I inclose  You  the  News  papers  containing  three  sensible  Letters 
by  a Gentleman  in  Maryland  on  “Appreciation,”  and  can  give 
You  nothing  new,  excepting  certain  Information  from  the  Court 
of  France  that  by  their  Interposition  the  british  Court  have  failed 
in  their  Applications  for  Recruits  to  the  several  Powers  of 
Germany. 

The  Massachusetts  Delegates  are  sitting  in  Congress  by  Vertue 
only  of  a Certificate  of  their  Appointment  from  the  Deputy 
Secretary.  They  have  never  aspired  to  be  commissioned , but  wish 
not  to  loose  their  Rank  as  warrant  officers. 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xvi.  77,  79. 


1780] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


12  5 


I observe  your  Apprehensions  relative  to  a new  Q[uarter] 
MJaster]  G[eneral],  but  have  no  Reason  to  suppose  them  well 
grounded,  altho  the  Matter  has  been  suggested  in  Congress.  I re- 
main Sir  with  every  Sentiment  of  respect  your  Friend  and  hum  Ser. 

E.  Gerry 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Paris,  Feby.  23d,  1780 

Dear  Sir,  — The  French  Court  seem  to  be  now  every  day  more 
and  more  convinced  of  the  good  Policy,  and  indeed  the  Necessity 
of  prosecuting  the  War  with  Vigour  in  the  American  Seas.  They 
have  been  and  are  making  great  Preparations  accordingly,  and 
are  determined  to  maintain  a clear  Superiority. 

M.  de  la  Motte  Piquet  has  with  him,  the  Hannibal , the  Mag- 
nifique,  the  Diadem,  the  Dauphin  Royal,  the  Artesien,  the  Re- 
fiectir,  and  the  Vengeur,  and  if  M.  de  Grace  has  joined  him  from 
Chesapeak  Bay,  the  Robuste,  the  Fendant  and  the  Sphinx,  in  all 
ten  Ships  of  the  Line. 

M.  de  Guichen  is  gone  to  join  him,  with  the  Couronne,  eighty 
Guns,  the  Triomphant,  eighty,  the  Palmier,  seventy-four,  the 
Victoire,  the  Destin,  the  Conquerant:  the  Citoyen,  the  Intrepide, 
the  Hercule,  the  Souverain,  all  of  seventy-four;  the  Jason,  the 
Actionaire,  the  Caton,  the  Julien,  the  Solitaire,  the  St.  Michel,  the 
Triton,  all  of  sixty-four.  The  Frigates  the  Medee,  Courageuse, 
Gentille  and  the  Charmante,  all  of  thirty-two.  He  had  above  an 
hundred  Sail  of  Vessels  under  his  Convoy,  and  the  Regiments  of 
Touraine  and  Enghien,  of  more  than  thirteen  hundred  Men  each, 
and  the  second  Battalion  of  Royal  Comtois  and  of  Walsh  of  seven 
hundred  Men  each  — making  in  the  whole  more  than  four  thou- 
sand Troops.  Besides  these,  there  are  seven  more  preparing  at 
Brest  to  sail. 

Messs.  Gerard,  Jay  and  Charmichael  are  arrived  at  Cadiz  in  a 
French  Frigate,  the  Confederacy  having  been  dismasted  and  driven 
to  Martinique.  The  Alliance  carries  this  with  Mr.  Lee  and  Mr. 
Izard,  who  will  no  doubt  be  treated  with  all  Respect  at  Boston. 


126 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1780 


Notwithstanding  the  Commotions  in  England  and  Ireland,  the 
Success  of  Prevost  at  Savannah,  and  of  Rodney  off  Gibraltar,  and 
even  the  silly  Story  of  Omoa  in  South  America,1  is  enough  to  em- 
bolden the  Ministry  to  go  on  with  a Debt  of  two  hundred  Millions 
already  contracted,  to  borrow  twelve  or  fourteen  Millions  a Year 
in  the  Beginning  of  a War  with  France  and  Spain,  each  having 
a greater  Navy  than  they  ever  had,  each  discovering  a greater 
fighting  Spirit  than  they  ever  did  before,  and  obliging  the  English 
to  purchase  every  Advantage  at  a dear  Rate. 

The  Premiums  and  Bounties  that  they  are  obliged  to  give  to 
raise  Men,  both  for  the  Service  by  Sea  and  Land,  and  the  Interest 
of  Money  they  borrow,  are  greater  than  were  ever  given  in  any 
former  Wars,  even  in  the  last  Year  of  the  last  War.  This  cannot 
always  last,  nor  indeed  long.  Yet  I dont  expect  to  see  Peace  very 
soon. 

I have  sent  a Trunk  to  the  Care  of  the  Navy  Board,  for  my 
dear  Mrs.  A[dams],  in  which  is  something  for  Mrs.  Wfarren], 
Pray  write  me  as  often  as  possible,  and  send  the  News  papers  to 
me.  Your  Friend  and  Servant, 

John  Adams 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Paris,  Hotel  de  Valois, 

Rue  Richelieu,  Feby.  28,  1780 

Dear  Sir,  — I have  written  so  fully  to  Congress  and  to  par- 
ticular Friends  before,  and  have  so  little  time  now,  that  I have 
little  more  to  do  than  make  up  a Letter  for  the  Bearer  to  deliver 
you. 

The  Marquis  de  la  Fayette  is  going  to  Boston  in  a Frigate  and 
surely  he  wants  no  Recommendation  of  mine;  his  own  Merit  and 
his  Fame  are  enough.  He  has  been  the  same  Friend  to  us  here 
that  he  was  in  America.  He  has  been  very  assiduous  to  procure 
Cloaths  and  Arms  for  our  Army  and  to  promote  our  Interest  in 
every  other  way  within  his  Circle.  I can  tell  you  nothing  from 

1 In  Honduras,  Central  America. 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


1780] 


127 


Madrid  as  yet.  But  I do  hope  Mr.  Jay  will  succeed.  England 
may  possibly  try  to  get  Russia  and  Denmark  to  negotiate  for 
Peace,  but  she  will  not  sue  merely  because  she  will  not  consent  to 
such  Terms  as  every  American  holds  indispensable.  Holland  is 
very  angry,  but  does  not  resent.  She  has  been  very  ill  treated, 
but  cannot  avenge  herself.  I beg  that  every  Word  I say  to  you 
about  Peace  may  be  kept  secret,  because  I shall  write  to  Congress 
upon  that  subject  all  that  is  proper  for  me  to  say  to  any  Body  in 
America. 

I have  written  you  by  the  Alliance,  which  will  sail  soon.  Lan- 
dais  is  at  Paris.  Jones  goes  in  the  Alliance.  Your  son  is  on  board, 
by  this  time  inured  to  the  [ indecipherable ] to  War.  We  have  not 
yet  learned  who  are  our  delegates  this  year,  nor  how  the  Consti- 
tution goes  on. 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Febry.  28,  1780 

By  Capt.  Sampson  there  came  two  Letters,  one  from  Mr.  Lee, 
one  from  a Mr.  Gellee,1  to  Mr  Adams;  by  Mr.  Lee’s  I find  that 
affairs  go  on  in  the  old  course  at  Passy,  the  Counsel  there  is  com- 
posed of  the  same  Honorable  Members,  says  Mr.  Lee,  as  when  you 
left  it,  “with  the  reinforcement  of  Samll.  Wharton,2  Samll.  Petrie 
and  the  Alexanders,3  a match  is  concludd  between  one  of  the 
daughters  4 and  Jonathan  Williams;  this  August  and  natural  family 
compact  will  I hope  promote  the  publick  as  well  as  private 
Interests.” 

There  is  a party  in  France  of  worthless  ambitious  intrigueing 
Americans,  who  are  disposed  to  ruin  the  reputation  of  every  Man 
whose  views  do  not  coinside  with  their  selfish  schemes,  of  this 
you  will  be  satisfied  when  I tell  you  that  mr.  Gellee  writes  thus, 

* 

1 N.  M.  Gellee,  secretary  to  Dr.  Franklin. 

2 Member  of  the  firm  of  Baynton,  Wharton  and  Morgan. 

3 Robert,  William  and  Alexander  John  Alexander,  sons  of  William  Alexander,  Lord 
Provost  of  Edinburgh. 

4 Mariamne  Alexander. 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1780 


128 


After  your  departure  reports  were  circulated  here  that  you  were  gone 
to  England  and  that  during  your  Station  here,  you  had  entertaind  an 
Illicit  correspondence  with  the  British  Ministry,  it  was  even  published 
here  that  mr  Samll.  Adams  had  headed  a conspiration  and  contrived  to 
surrender  Boston  to  the  English.  In  vain  did  I endeavour  to  shew  them 
the  absurdity  of  the  former  opinion,  by  your  embarking  in  the  same  ship 
with  the  Chevalier,  but  you  know  the  people  in  this  country  are  in 
general  very  Ignorant  of  American  affairs  which  give  designing  Men  an 
opportunity  to  shew  their  Malignity. 

How  happy,  my  dear  Madam,  would  America  have  been,  had 
it  been  her  Lot,  to  have  contended  only  with  foreign  Enemies,  but 
the  rancour  of  her  internal  foes  have  rendred  the  task  of  the 
patriot  peculiarly  difficult  and  Dangerous. 

I some  times  contemplate  the  Situation  of  my  absent  Friend, 
honourd  as  he  is  at  present  with  the  confidence  of  his  Country,  as 
the  most  critical  and  hazardous  Embassy  to  his  reputation  his 
honour,  and  I know  not  but  I may  add  life,  that  could  possibly 
have  been  entrusted  to  him.  I view  him  beset  with  the  machina- 
tions of  envy,  the  snares  of  treachery,  the  malice  of  dissimulation 
and  the  clandestine  stabs  of  calumny. 

can  the  Innocence  of  the  dove  or  the  wisdom  of  a more  subtle 
animal  serene  him  from  all  these  foes?  can  the  strictest  integrity 
and  the  most  unwearied  exertions  for  the  benifit  and  happiness  of 
Mankind  secure  to  him  more,  than  the  approbation  of  his  own 
Heart, 

all  other  applause  without  that  would  be  of  small  estimation, 
yet  one  would  wish  not  to  be  considerd  as  a selfish  designing 
Banefull  foe,  when  they  have  worn  out  their  lives  in  the  Service 
of  their  country. 

Those  who  envy  him,  his  situation  see  not  with  my  Eyes,  nor 
feel  with  my  Heart,  perhaps  I feel  and  fear  too  much. 

I have  heard  this  winter  of  a Letter  from  a Lady  1 to  her  son 
containing  strictures  upon  Lord  Chesterfields  Letters.  I have  not 
been  favourd  with  a sight  of  it,  tho  I have  wished  for  it.  a collec- 
tion of  his  Lordships  Letters  came  into  my  Hands  this  winter 
which  I read,  and  tho  they  contain  only  a part  of  what  he  has 

i Mrs.  Warren. 


1780] 


TVarren  - Adams  Letters 


129 


written,  I found  enough  to  satisfy  me,  that  his  Lordship  with  all 
his  elegance  and  graces,  was  a Hypocritical  polished  Libertine,  a 
mere  Lovelace,  but  with  this  difference,  that  Lovelace  was  the 
most  generous  Man  of  the  two,  since  he  had  justice  sufficient  to 
acknowledge  the  merrit  he  was  destroying,  and  died  penitently 
warning  others,  whilst  his  Lordship  not  content,  himself  with 
practiseing;  but  is  in  an  advanced  age,  inculcateing  the  most 
immoral  pernicious  and  Libertine  principals  into  the  mind  of  a 
youth  whose  natural  Guardian  he  was,  and  at  the  same  time  calling 
upon  him  to  wear  the  outward  garb  of  virtue  knowing  that  if  that 
was  cast  aside,  he  would  not  be  so  well  able  to  succeed  in  his 
persuits. 

I could  prove  to  his  Lordship  were  he  living  that  there  was  one 
woman  in  the  world  who  could  act  consequentially  more  than  24 
hours,  since  I shall  dispise  to  the  end  of  my  days  that  part  of  his 
character,  yet  I am  not  so  blinded  by  his  abuse  upon  our  sex,  as 
not  to  allow  his  Lordship  the  merrit  of  an  elegant  pen,  a knowledge 
of  Mankind  and  a compiler  of  many  excellent  maxims  and  rules 
for  the  conduct  of  youth,  but  they  are  so  poisoned  with  a mixture 
of  Libertinism  that  I believe  they  will  do  much  more  injury  than 
benifit  to  Mankind.  I wish,  my  dear  Madam,  you  would  favour 
me  with  a coppy  of  the  Letter  said  to  be  in  your  power.  . . . 

Portia 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Paris,  Hotel  de  Valois, 

Rue  de  Richelieu,  March  16th,  1780 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  Letter  of  the  13th  of  June  last,  is  not  an- 
swered, not  received  ’till  my  Arrival  here.  You  will  be  so  over- 
loaded with  News  about  the  Time  this  will  reach  You,  that  I will 
not  add  to  the  Heap.  We  have  none  from  America  a long  Time  — 
none  since  Christmas.  You  say  I was  envied  — perhaps  so:  but 
they  would  not  have  envied  me  in  the  Gulph  Stream,  nor  when 
chased  forty  eight  Hours  by  three  British  Frigates,  nor  when 
sailing  in  a Ship,  leaking  seven  Feet  of  Water  in  an  Hour,  in  a 


130 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


Gale  of  Wind  that  blowed  the  poor  Courier  de  U Europe,  our  fellow 
Voyager,  to  the  Bottom  with  all  her  People,  nor  when  devoured 
by  Vermin  in  Company  with  Mules,  Hogs,  and  Poultry,  on  the 
Mountains  of  Gallicia.  They  would  not  envy  Mr.  Jay  in  the  dis- 
masted Confederacy , etc.  They  would  not  envy  Us  here,  at  least 
they  ought  not,  for  it  is  not  an  enviable  Situation:  to  see  things  go 
wrong  for  want  of  adopting  the  simplest  and  most  obvious  plans 
in  the  World.  However,  I have  seen  enough  of  Envy  to  know, 
that  it  will  have  its  perfect  Work.  Let  it.  It  is  a Distemper,  that 
I hope  will  never  seize  me.  I had  rather  of  the  two  have  another, 
which  is  sometimes  they  say  contracted  here  by  an  Acquaintance 
with  the  elegant  Nymphs  of  the  Boulevards.  But  enough  of  this. 

The  People  of  England  have  done  me  the  Honor  to  talk  lately 
a great  deal  about  me.  They  have  pleased  themselves  with  the 
Tales  that  the  Ministry  propagated,  that  I was  coming  to  London. 
Lord  North  said  he  wished  I had  come  in  the  Cartel  Ship.  I be- 
lieve him.  But  they  have  no  Thoughts  of  Peace  upon  my  Terms, 
i.e.  upon  American  Terms.  Ireland  however  will  make  herself 
independent  before  ours  will  be  acknowledged:  and  England  will 
have  a Congress  very  soon.  Ireland  and  England  have  learned  our 
Policy,  and  are  treading  in  our  Steps.  Holland  is  very  angry,  and 
will  not  always  bear.  Yet  England  cannot  learn  Wisdom.  She 
will  fall  like  the  strong  Man.  I should  be  very  glad  She  would 
come  to  her  Reason:  but  she  will  not  a long  Time.  Your’s 

John  Adams 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Paris,  March  18th,  1780 

My  dear  Sir,  — Monsieur  Jean  Baptiste  Petry,  Secretary  to 
the  Comte  de  Chatelet,  a Marshal  of  the  Camps  and  Armies  of  the 
King  of  France,  is,  as  he  says,  going  to  America,  and  as  he  is  con- 
nected with  some  Gentlemen  to  whom  I am  much  obliged,  I can- 
not but  comply  with  his  Desire  and  give  him  a few  Letters  of 
Introduction.  He  is  represented  to  be  a worthy,  sensible  and 
agreeable  Man. 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1780] 


I3I 


The  Marquis  de  la  Fayette  sailed  about  10th  March  from 
Rochelle  and  will  be  in  Boston,  as  we  hope,  by  the  10th  of  April. 
He  will  explain  to  Congress  and  to  General  Washington  what  I 
cannot  explain  to  you.  The  Bearer  will  give  you  further  Com- 
mentaries. This  Court  will  by  little  and  little  be  convinced  of  the 
true  System,  after  which  I hope  they  will  be  less  unfortunate;  in 
all  human  Probability  they  must  be,  if  they  do  not  neglect  it  too 
long. 

Rodney’s  Fleet  seems  to  have  been  the  favorite  of  Fortune,  but 
you  know  she  is  a great  changeling,  and  frowns  upon  one,  some- 
times in  half  an  hour  after  having  lavished  upon  him  her  Smiles  and 
Favors.  We  are  anxious  to  know  the  fate  of  Charlestown,  which 
we  hope  was  saved  by  a Storm. 

Faucitte1  vapours  in  a Leiden  Gazette  that  he  has  obtained 
40,000  of  the  Langrave  of  Hesse.  This  Soul  selling  Langrave,  as 
they  call  him  in  Germany,  has  hardly  40,000  Men  in  his  Domin- 
ions. This  is  the  Fruit  of  the  Cracovie.  Now  I must  write  more 
or  you  wont  understand  me.  Craquer  signifies,  in  a kind  of 
familiar  banting  stile,  to  lie,  and  Craqueur  is  a Lyar.  There  is  a 
Tree  in  the  grand  Alley  of  the  Palais  Royal  at  Paris  which  they 
call  the  Tree  of  Cracovie,  from  the  name  of  a City  in  Poland  and 
its  similitude  to  the  Word  Craque,  l’Arbre  de  Cracovie.  The  News 
Mongers  of  Paris  assemble  commonly  under  this  Tree,  so  that  it  is 
become  proverbial  to  call  false  News  Les  Nouvelles  de  l’arbre  de 
Cracovie  — News  from  the  Tree  of  Cracovie.2  I have  spent  a 
Multitude  of  Words  in  Explanation  of  this  Trifle,  which  does  not 
deserve  them. 

Pray  introduce  Mr.  Petry  to  Madam  Warren,  the  most  ac- 
complished Lady  in  America,  next  to  one  whom  I will  not  men- 
tion, but  whose  Prerogative  of  being  the  first  I can  never  give  up. 
Affectionately  yours. 

1 Sir  William  Fawcett — Faucitt  in  the  Army  Lists  from  1756-1785  — (1728-1804). 

2 Littre,  Dictionnaire,  1.  879,  sub  verbo  Cracovie. 


1 3 2 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


Mercy  Warren  to  James  Warren 

Sunday,  Apr.  2,  1780 

It  appears  to  me  there  are  very  Extraordinary  doings  among 
some  of  the  servants  of  the  public.  I have  Long  been  apprehensive 
that  the  Character  of  a Venerable  old  Man  was  in  Danger  of 
being  tarnished  both  from  his  Connexions  and  his  own  aviritious 
spirit.  I think  I told  you  on  the  appearance  of  Dean’s  address 
that  I trembled  for  Dr  F[rankli]n,  as  I wished  a Man  of  his  abili- 
ties might  Descend  to  the  Grave  unimpeached  by  an  indulgence 
of  the  Various  passions  that  must  mark  Every  Name  with  In- 
famy. Poor  Capt  Landais.  I pity  him  yet  hope  his  Character 
and  Rank  may  be  Retrieved  as  at  present  I believe  him  Greatly 
injured;  but  whether  Guilty  or  Innocent  whether  sacrificed  or 
acquited  I apprehend  this  affair  in  all  its  Circumstances  — when 
a Thorough  investigation  is  made  will  open  a Curious  system  of 
Villany.  But  you  know  my  opinion  where  there  is  no  Religious 
Principle  there  is  no  Check  and  the  political  and  Moral  Conduct  is 
adapted  as  far  as  Circumstances  will  admit  to  the  Narrow  Inter- 
ests of  the  individual.  The  philosopher  is  the  Creature  of  Caprice 
and  the  Cool  Reasoner  the  sport  of  passion.  True  this  is  Con- 
sistent Enough  when  there  are  no  Views  of  a higher  Existence  and 
no  Wishes  but  what  are  Circumscribed  within  the  Limits  of  a 
Golden  Hemisphere.  But  how  amazingly  different  will  be  Their 
Ideas  when  the  Grand  Electric  spark  shall  Wrap  Creation  in 
Flames  and  the  Convulsion  awake  from  their  Earthey  Lodgments 
the  sceptical  tribes  of  Every  Denomination. 

I have  been  Expecting  Mr  Lee’s  pamphlet 1 by  Every  oppor- 
tunity. Did  you  forget  it  or  is  it  in  better  hands?  perhaps  Win- 
slow May  bring  it,  who  I Expect  tomorrow  as  he  assures  me 
he  shall  then  be  at  Plimouth  with  Mr  Tillotson  and  Lady  and 
others. 

I hope  they  will  keep  the  appointment  as  you  know  the  Diffi- 
cultyes  of  being  prepared  at  all  times  to  Entertain  strangers  in 

1 Extracts  from  a Letter  written  to  the  President  of  Congress,  first  printed  at  Williamsburg 
in  1779,  and  reprinted  at  Philadelphia,  1780. 


1780] 


TVarren- Adams  Letters 


1 33 


such  a Barren  place.  I have  not  been  out  this  afternoon  as  am  a 
Little  unwell.  It  has  been  very  Cold  and  for  your  sake  I choose 
to  take  Good  Care  of  your  affectionate  Wife 

M.  Warren 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

June  23,  1780 

My  dear  Portia,  — We  are  very  much  affected  with  the  Loss 
of  Charlestown  it  seems  the  most  disagreable  affair,  We  have  ever 
met  with.  I dont  know  that  the  Consequences,  will  be  bad,  but 
the  Loss  of  so  many  Men  Ships,  and  Artillery  and  Stores  is  heavy 
besides  the  Town.  To  maintain  it,  they  must  weaken  themselves 
at  N.  York  and  elsewhere.  We  hope  to  hear  of  something  to 
ballance  it. 

I inclose  a Paper,  giving  an  Account  of  the  Troubles  in  Lon- 
don.1 What  they  will  come  to,  in  the  End,  I dont  know,  it  seems 
hitherto  a fanatical  Business.  Their  civil  Liberties,  and  most 
essential  Interests  are  forgotten,  while  they  are  running  mad  for 
their  own  contracted  notions,  it  is  said,  that  the  Catholic  Bill  will 
be  repealed,  the  true  motive  for  making  that  Law,  with  the  Min- 
istry and  King  was,  to  engage  the  Irish  Catholicks,  on  their 
Side,  and  get  them  to  inlist  into  the  American  Service. 

In  the  midst  of  the  dismay  of  these  Mobs  comes  the  News  from 
Charlestown. 

The  Ways  of  Heaven  are  dark  and  intricate,  it  seems  as  if  they 
were  to  be  permitted  to  have  success  enough,  to  lead  them  on, 
untill  they  become  the  most  striking  Spectacle  of  Horror  that  ever 
was  seen. 

These  Riots  discover  Symptoms  of  deep  distress  and  misery, 
among  the  lower  Classes  of  People,  the  particular  Spight  against 
the  Prisons  is  one  mark  of  it.  The  decided  part  they  took  against 
the  Ministry,  shews  upon  what  Ground  they  stand,  it  is  however  a 
shocking  Scene,  the  King,  seems  in  a fair  Way  to  the  Summit  of 
all  his  wishes,  absolute  Power.  Martial  Law  is  very  agreable  to 

1 The  Gordon  riots,  June  6-8. 


*34 


IV arren  -Adams  Letters  [1780 


him.  G[overnor]  Hutchinson  died  in  the  Beginning  of  the  Affray.1 
Lord  Mansfield’s  House  underwent  a worse  Fate,  than  his. 

I suppose  that  it  will  cost  two  millions  Sterling,  to  indemnify  the 
Sufferers,  this  must  be  added  to  all  the  other  Expences  of  the  War. 
They  forget  the  State  of  Ireland,  France  Spain,  West  Indies,  N. 
America,  the  armed  Neutrality  of  the  maritime  Powers,  and  their 
own  distracted  State,  in  their  Joy  for  the  News  of  Charlestown, 
which  in  reality  however  unpleasant  to  Us  ought  to  be  more 
dreadful  to  them,  because  it  will  be  a Grave  to  their  Army  and  a 
drain  to  their  Purses  without  any  considerable  Advantage. 

They  however  think  not  of  Peace.  We  are  all  well. 

[Mo  signature.] 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  July  nth,  1780 

My  dear  Sir,  — My  last  Letters  went  by  my  Son  Winslow  who 
left  this  place  about  three  weeks  ago,  for  Amsterdam,  and  I hope 
will  soon  be  able  to  deliver  them  to  you  at  Paris. 

At  that  time  I flattered  myself  that  we  should  be  able  to  hold 
Charlestown,  but  you  will  find  before  this  reaches  you  that  the 
Enemy  have  got  it,  with  the  four  Continental  Ships  that  were 
ordered  there  last  November,  this  is  a great  reduction  of  our  Navy, 
and  seems  to  be  occasioned  more  by  ill  policy,  than  the  fortune  of 
War.  it  was  certainly  a very  odd  measure  to  shut  up  those  Ships 
in  a place  where  they  could  not  possibly  do  any  service,  and  where 
probably  they  would  be  lost,  the  Loss  of  Charlestown  at  first 
seemed  to  have  disagreeable  Effects,  it  produced  some  degree  of 
dejection,  but  those  Effects  were  soon  changed  for  more  agreeable 
ones,  it  has  done  more  good  than  hurt,  it  has  waked  us  from  a 
profound  Sleep,  and  roused  every  Man  to  Action,  we  shall  now 
have  a fine  Army,  and  they  will  be  supplied  and  when  our  Allies 
arrive,  (who  by  the  way  we  yet  hear  Nothing  more  of  than  that 
they  sailed  the  2d  May)  I dare  say  we  shall  Beat  the  Britons, 
though  flushed  with  Victory  over  the  Capital  of  a Country,  which 

1 June  3,  at  Brompton,  near  London. 


1780] 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


1 35 


had  not  public  Spirit  enough  in  the  midst  of  plenty  to  supply  pro- 
visions for  those  that  would  fight  or  Courage  to  fight  themselves, 
the  Spirit  of  ’7 5 seems  to  be  revived,  our  Papers  which  will  be 
sent  you  will  give  an  Account  of  a Brilliant  Action  on  our  side,  in 
which  a few  Continental  Troops  and  a few  of  the  brave  Jersey 
Militia  beat  back,  and  drove  out  of  that  Country  an  Army  of 
British  Savages  with  a loss  of  7 or  800  killed  and  wounded,  we 
have  no  other  News.  As  to  our  Navy  the  Confederacy  is  at  Phila- 
delphia, the  Deane  and  Trumbull  are  here,  the  latter  repairing  her 
Injurys  suffered  by  a noble  and  well  conducted  Action  with  a Ship 
of  superior  force.  The  Alliance  laying  in  France  tho’  exceedingly 
wanted  here,  our  New  Constitution  is  established,  and  is  to  oper- 
ate on  the  last  Wednesday  in  October.  The  Election  of  Gov’r, 
Lieut.  Gov’r  and  Senate  to  be  made  on  the  beginning  of  Septem- 
ber. Mr.  B[owdoin]  has  again  come  into  public  Life  that  he  may 
with  the  greater  Advantage  stand  as  a candidate,  in  competition 
with  H[ancock]  for  the  highest  honor  and  rank  in  this  State,  who 
will  carry  the  Election  is  very  uncertain.  I dont  envy  either  of 
them  their  feelings,  the  Vanity  of  one  of  them  will  Sting  like  an 
Adder  if  it  is  disappointed,  and  the  Advancements  made  by  the 
other  if  they  dont  succeed  will  hurt  his  Modest  pride,  the  upper 
counties  will  be  for  H.,  the  Interest  of  the  other  will  lay  in  the 
lower  ones.  I dont  hear  who  is  to  be  the  Lieut.  [Governor],  or 
anything  about  it,  only  that  an  Interest  is  making  for  C[ushing]  in 
this  Town,  if  H.  is  Chief,  why  will  not  C.  make  an  excellent 
second.  The  old  General  Court  will  have  one  short  Sessions  more 
and  then  Die,  and  give  place  to  a new  one.  one  of  my  last  gave 
you  an  account  of  the  proceedings  of  this  State  with  regard  to 
Money.  Notwithstanding  which  it  has  continued  to  depreciate  till 
it  got  to  75  and  80  for  one.  there  is  no  accounting  for  it,  or  reason- 
ing about  it.  it  is  progressive,  retrograde,  eccentric,  regular  or 

irregular  just  as  the  D 1 will  have  it,  and  Nobody,  not  even 

Coll.  Quincey  can  tell  why.  it  seems  just  now  to  make  a pause,  and 
if  there  is  any  reasoning  about  it  I think  it  will  in  the  Course  of  a 
Month  return  to  about  forty,  would  you  wish  to  hear  anything  of 
the  Husbandry  of  the  Country.  I have  already  told  you  in  a 
former  Letter  that  we  had  a most  horrible  winter,  the  Spring  and 


136 


IVarren-Adams  Letters  [1780 


former  part  of  the  Summer  were  very  dry,  the  whole  Country  has 
suffered  by  droughts  and  some  parts  of  it  very  severely,  we  have 
lately  had  fine  rains,  but  they  came  too  late  for  Hay,  and  a full 
Crop  of  English  Corn.  I dont  remember  that  you  ever  mentioned 
to  me  your  Friend  the  Abbe  Raynal’s  History  of  the  East  and  West 
Indies.  I told  you  before  that  I was  exceedingly  pleased  with  it. 
I like  it  the  better  because  it  contains  many  fine  reflections  on 
Agriculture,  and  the  dignity  and  advantages  of  it. 

I shall  write  nothing  about  your  good  Family,  as  Mrs.  Adams 
will  write  by  this  very  good  Oppertunity  herself,  and  Capt. 
Samson  1 will  take  the  best  Care  of  all  Letters  to  you.  please  to 
make  my  regards  to  Mr.  Dana,  and  remember  me  to  Mr.  Thaxter, 
and  your  two  Sons,  and  believe  me  to  be  with  Great  Sincerity 
Your  Friend  and  Humble  Servant, 

J.  Warren 

Mr.  Gerry  has  returned  from  Congress.  Mr.  Adams  and  Gen’l 
Ward  are  gone.  Mr.  Partridge  is  also  returned. 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  July  19,  1780 

My  Dear  Sir,  — Having  already  wrote  you  pretty  largely  by 
Capt.  Samson,  this  is  only  to  Inform  you  that  two  days  ago  ar- 
rived here  one  Mr.  Mitchel2  with  a Load  of  English  Goods  from 
London,  this  seems  to  be  a prevailing  and  encreasing  object  of 
Commerce  one  arrived  in  the  Spring  little  Notice  was  taken  of  it. 
four  more  Vessels  are  said  to  be  on  their  way  here,  it  is  certain 
there  is  one,  and  Mr.  Duncan  is  in  her.  he  and  Mitchel  married 
two  Daughters  of  Geo.  Bethune3  I dont  say  any  thing  of  their 
political  Principles,  there  are  no  Tories  or  Tory  Connections 
here,  we  are  all  Whiggs,  and  the  Man  that  hid  himself  in  the  heat 
of  the  day,  and  has  never  done  any  thing  since  has  as  much  Merit 
as  one  that  has  been  in  the  front  of  the  Battle,  these  Men  had 
Address  enough  to  procure  flaggs  from  our  Council  to  carry  to 

1 Of  the  Mercury  packet.  2 Henry  Mitchell. 

3 George  Bethune  (d.  1785)  married  in  1754  Mary  Faneuil,  niece  of  Peter  Faneuil. 


1780] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


1 37 


England  a Number  of  Prisoners,  under  the  Pretence  that  they 
would  carry  as  many  more  to  France  and  come  out  from  there 
with  a Load  of  Goods.  Mitchel  now  says  they  would  not  suffer 
an  Exchange  for  the  Prisoners  they  carried,  and  took  their  Ships 
from  them  but  afterwards  paid  them  for  their  Ships. 

They  come  boldly  in  under  the  Protection  of  Permits  from 
Doct’r  Franklin.  I thought  you  should  be  acquainted  with  these 
Circumstances:  you  are  best  able  to  judge  if  it  be  good  Policy  for 
us,  and  consistent  with  our  Connections  with  France,  to  carry  on 
such  a Trade,  if  it  be  I think  it  should  be  publicly  avowed,  if  not 
it  should  be  publickly  discountenanced,  my  own  Judgment  is  we 
can  do  very  well  without  it,  and  that  all  Intercourse  with  that 
accursed  and  barbarous  Nation  should  be  intirely  broke  of,  and 
that  we  should  use  ourselves  to  the  Manufactures  and  Mer- 
chandize of  other  Nations,  to  prevent  as  much  as  possible  the 
hankering  after  those  of  Britain,  the  Leeks  and  onions  of  Egypt, 
when  a Peace  takes  place.  I have  had  but  one  Letter  from  you 
since  you  left  us  and  that  a very  short  one.  I always  take  pleasure 
in  your  Letters,  if  you  can  find  Friends  out  of  your  own  Family, 
more  pleased  with  your  Friendship,  or  more  Sincere  and  Zealous 
in  his  or  theirs,  I will  not  complain  that  you  do  not  write  to  me 
oftener.  I am  Yours  sincerely, 

J.  Warren 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Augt.  3d,  1780 

My  dear  Sir, — I receivd  your  favor  of  the  13th  of  July  by 
yesterdays  Post.  On  my  Journey  I met  Mr.  Gerry  at  Hartford, 
where  we  were  unexpectedly  engaged  in  publick  Business  with 
Governor  Trumbull.  I utterly  forgot  that  I had  your  Letter  to 
him,  but  since  you  have  empowerd  me  to  open  it,  I find,  it  would 
have  been  of  no  Advantage  to  you  to  have  deliverd  it  to  him  there. 
I waited  upon  the  only  Gentleman  of  the  Committee  of  Commerce 
now  in  Town,  who  told  me  your  Account  was  not  settled.  I urgd 
it,  and  will  continue  to  do  so  as  a Matter  which  ought  not  to  be 


1 3 8 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


delayd.  When  this  is  done,  I will  pursue  the  Step  which  you 
request. 

I do  not  like  the  Situations  of  the  two  Fleets.  The  English 
appears  to  be  the  superior,  and  while  they  lie  before  R[hode] 
Island,  they  may  serve  two  great  Purposes,  the  intercepting  the 
2d  Division  from  France,  and  the  giving  their  Cork  Fleet  an  Op- 
portunity of  arriving  at  N.  York.  If  our  Privatiers  were  cruising 
off  the  Hook  at  this  Juncture  it  might  be  advantageous  to  them 
as  well  as  to  the  Publick.  I am  sorry  to  find  that  the  Trumbull  and 
the  Dean  are  to  run  a double  and  I think  a needless  Risque  of 
Falling  into  the  Enemies  Hands;  but  if  this  be  an  ill  judged 
Measure,  you  are  not  accountable  for  it. 

The  Doctor  is  this  Moment  going,  which  prevents  my  adding 
to  this  Letter.  I refer  you  to  him  for  Intelligence. 

Adieu  my  dear  Sir,  and  be  assured  that  I am  Your  affectionate, 

S.  A 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Sepr.  17th,  1780 

My  Dear  Sir, — I very  seldom  hear  from  you.  whether  you 
are  prevented  from  writeing  by  more  Important  concerns,  or 
whether  you  have  no  Inclination  for  the  Correspondence,  you 
best  can  tell;  but  as  I always  incline  to  put  Construction  on  my 
Friends  Conduct,  the  most  favourable  to  them  and  myself,  I shall 
suppose  the  first  and  Continue  writeing  to  you.  The  Elections,  so 
far  as  lay  with  the  People  at  large  are  made,  a Governor  is  Un- 
doubtedly chosen  and  the  Votes  of  your  own  beloved  Town  will 
give  you  at  once  an  Idea  of  the  Majority  in  favour  of  Mr.  Han- 
cock, and  a General  one  of  their  proceedings  through  the  whole. 
Mr.  Powel  was  their  Man  for  Lieut.  A great  Majority  through 
the  State  was  in  favour  of  Mr.  Hancock.  I believe  no  Choice  is 
made  of  Lieut.  Governor  and  that  will  be  the  Case  in  part  in 
respect  to  Senators  in  the  different  Counties,  and  in  most  In- 
stances where  a Choice  is  made  they  seem  Calculated  for  that 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1780] 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters 


1 39 


Interest  and  to  render  their  Idol  as  Uncontroulable  as  possible, 
if  I have  a Seat  in  the  House  I shall  use  my  Influence  to  Choose 
you  the  Secretary,  but  the  Influence  of  all  that  dont  worship 
devoutly  may  be  very  small  and  you  and  I may  have  none  at  all. 
for  my  own  part  I am  Content  to  retire  into  private  Life  while  I 
can  lay  my  hand  upon  heart  and  say  that  I have  in  no  Instance 
deviated  from  the  Principles  I professed,  or  those  of  my  Constit- 
uents when  they  Chose  me.  your  Virtue  and  Firmness  have  and 
will  Continue  to  Expose  you  to  persecution,  the  Tongue  of 
Malice  has  always  been  Employed  against  you,  and  things,  old 
and  new,  are  mustered  to  render  you  Obnoxious,  it  is  now  re- 
ported that  you  are  against  filling  up  the  Battalions  for  the  war 
and  are  in  favour  of  drafts  of  the  Militia  from  time  to  time.  I 
venture  to  Contradict  many  things  and  this  among  the  rest,  but 
there  is  no  End  to  Calumny.1 

[No  signature.] 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  October  12th,  1780 

My  Dear  Sir,  — My  last  two  or  three  Letters  were  by  Capt. 
Samson,  who  if  he  has  not  shared  the  ill  fate  of  some  others,  must 
have  been  handed  you  long  before  this.  Three  Letters  went  by  my 
Son.  he  had  the  Misfortune  to  be  taken,  and  carried  to  Newfound- 
land, and  I suppose  the  Letters  went  to  the  Bottom,  with  a great 
number  of  others,  in  them  I endeavoured  to  give  you  as  perticular 
an  account  of  our  affairs  here,  at  that  time  as  I could.  I have  no 
copies,  and  therefore  cant  recollect  the  contents,  you  must  there- 
fore be  content  with  a short  detail  of  matters  as  they  now  stand. 
The  papers  we  shall  send  you  by  this  Opportunity  will  give  you  a 
general  state  of  the  Conduct  of  Military  Matters  from  the  Loss  of 
Charlestown  to  the  defection  and  Treachery  of  Arnold,  and  the 
hanging  of  Major  Andre,  you  will  learn  that  the  one  has  fled  to 
New  York,  and  the  other  been  properly  treated  as  a Spy,  and  that 

1 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  October  3 [not  6],  1780,  is  in  Writings 
of  Samuel  Adams,  iv.  207. 


140 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


both  of  them  deserved  infinitely  more  than  they  have  or  will  suffer 
here,  if  Arnolds  Villany  and  Clintons  Meaness  had  succeeded  it 
would  have  been  a fatal  Blow,  as  it  is,  it  is  hard  to  say  which  of 
the  two  has  acted  the  most  infamous  part,  if  one  has  betrayed  his 
trust,  and  his  Country,  the  other  has  disgraced  his  Nation  (if 
possible)  and  Mankind  by  stooping  to  a Measure  that  would  mark 
a Savage  with  Eternal  Infamy. 

Since  the  defeat  of  Gen’l  Gates  in  the  South,  in  which  the 
Enemy  lost  more  than  they  got,  our  Affairs  are  constantly  assum- 
ing a Good  Countenance  there,  our  Army  is  re-established  there, 
have  been  successful  in  several  Skirmishes,  and  I think  the  Militia 
there  will  soon  be  good  Soldiers  and  learn  to  stand  both  the  fire 
and  the  Bayonet  of  the  Enemy.  The  Grand  Army  by  drafts,  etc., 
is  said  to  be  in  as  good  a condition  as  to  Numbers,  etc.,  as  at  any 
time,  we  have  had  great  difficulties  in  supplying  them  with 
Provisions,  etc.  they  have  sometimes  suffered,  but  I hope  the 
measures  taken  by  the  several  States  will  prevent  in  future  any 
difficulty  from  that  quarter.  They  are  acting  on  the  defensive, 
watching  the  Enemy,  and  they  in  their  turn  watching  them,  no 
Enterprize  or  great  Strokes  on  either  side,  and  every  thing  looks 
like  an  Inactive  Campaign.  The  French  Fleet  and  Army  are  shut 
up  in  Newport  by  a Superior  British  Fleet.  A reinforcement  has 
been  expected  all  Summer,  it  is  now  time  perhaps  to  dismiss  all 
further  Expectations  of  that  kind,  and  to  satisfy  our  selves  with 
Speculations  on  some  ill  Management  of  matters  somewhere, 
the  Troops  and  Ships  arrived  are  said  to  be  very  fine,  and  I think 
if  we  are  disappointed,  they  must  be  mortifyed.  to  be  reduced  to  a 
state  of  Inaction  after  crossing  the  Atlantic  with  high  Expecta- 
tions must  be  among  the  last  stages  of  Mortification,  to  fine  offi- 
cers of  high  Birth  and  distinction,  with  regard  to  ourselves 
Penobscot  is  still  in  the  hands  of  the  Enemy,  who  keeps  4 or  500 
Men  there,  and  some  Armed  Vessels,  we  keep  on  the  Eastern 
Shore  at  different  places  about  600  Men  to  guard  against  their 
depredations,  some  few  Skirmishes  have  taken  place  but  nothing 
of  consequence.  Our  Coast  has  not  been  much  infested  with 
British  Ships,  and  Privateers  this  Season  the  French  Fleet  keep 
the  British  Men  of  War  pretty  much  collected,  and  from  that  cir- 


1780] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


141 


cumstance  only  great  advantages  have  been  derived  to  our  Trade, 
and  perhaps  in  a War  which  seems  to  be  a Tryal  whose  Purse 
shall  hold  out  longest  the  advantage  may  be  general.  Britain  has 
kept  up  a great  Force  to  watch  that  Fleet  and  Army,  and  conse- 
quently have  been  at  great  Expence. 

Our  Privateers  have  made  many  prizes  and  perticularly  struck 
a great  Stroke  on  the  Quebec  Fleet.1  Our  Taxes  are  heavy  the 
People  groan,  and  pay  them  slowly,  and  complain  of  the  Scarcity 
of  Money,  but  still  it  does  not  Appreciate,  it  stands  at  about 
seventy  for  one,  and  will  be  uniformly  Mysterious.  A great  deal 
of  Silver  is  circulating.  Bargains  are  almost  as  common  in  hard 
as  Paper  Money,  it  is  difficult  to  say  where  it  all  comes  from, 
tho’  the  French  Fleet  and  Army  introduce  a great  deal.  The  New 
Government  is  the  Principal  Topic  of  Conversation,  the  General 
Court  meets  under  the  New  Constitution  the  week  after  next. 
Hancock  is  undoubtedly  chosen  Governor  by  a very  great  Major- 
ity. his  Popularity  is  greater  than  ever.  No  Body  was  set  in  com- 
petition with  him  but  Mr.  Bowdoin  and  he  stood  no  chance, 
frequent  and  brilliant  Entertainments  strengthen  his  popularity, 
and  whether  it  will  end  in  Absolute  Adoration,  or  in  the  Exhaus- 
tion of  the  Sources  of  profusion  T cant  say.  he  this  day  feasts  the 
French  Minister  (who  came  to  Town  last  Evening)  and  the  Coun- 
cil at  th-e  Castle.  No  Person  has  a Majority  of  Votes  for  a Lieu- 
tenant Governor,  it  is  said  Mr.  Bowdoin  has  the  greatest  Num- 
ber, and  probably  may  be  chose  by  the  two  Houses,  about  twenty- 
six  Senators  are  chose  by  the  several  districts,  some  whole 
Counties  have  made  no  choice  at  all,  Plymouth  among  the  rest. 

The  Continental  Navy  is  reduced  to  four  Ships  and  a Brig’t. 
The  Trumbul  and  Dean  with  the  Brig’t.  Saratoga  are  on  a Cruize, 
the  Confederacy  is  at  Philadelphia,  where  she  has  lain  five  months, 
and  will  not  sail  soon,  the  Alliance  is  here,  and  lays  waiting  for 
Money  to  fix  her  out.  she  came  here  in  a distracted  Situation. 
Landais  behaves  like  a Madman,  is  censured  by  a Court  of  En- 
quiry and  suspended,  to  be  tryed  by  a Court  Martial.  Barry  is 
in  command  of  her.  Officers  and  Men  came  here  cursing  with 

1 It  was  stated  that  twenty-two  vessels  were  intercepted  and  captured.  Gentleman's 
Magazine,  l.  444. 


142 


barren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


bitterness  the  Managers  of  our  affairs  in  France,  they  have  cer- 
tainly been  abused  by  some  Body  or  other.  Your  Trunk  is  not 
to  be  found  on  Board,  if  it  came  out  it  is  lost,  but  as  Doct’r 
Winship  1 in  whose  care  I understand  it  was  left  did  not  return  in 
this  Ship,  perhaps  he  kept  back  the  Trunk,  and  the  sooner  it  is 
enquired  after  the  better.  I have  received  but  two  short  Letters 
from  you,  one  by  the  Marquiss,  the  other  by  the  Alliance,  do  you 
treat  all  your  Friends  in  this  way,  or  am  I the  most  neglected, 
as  for  the  Affairs  of  Europe,  we  know  but  little  more  of  them  than 
of  those  in  the  Moon.  I had  the  pleasure  of  some  Acquaintance 
with  Doct’r  Lee  and  learnt  some  things  from  him,  but  few  that 
are  pleasing,  he  is  gone  to  Philadelphia.  The  Delegates  are  new 
chosen,  Adams,  Lovel,  and  Ward  are  at  Congress  Gerry,  Holton, 
and  Partridge  are  at  Home,  one  is  yet  wanted  to  compleat  the 
Number  7.  Strong 2 and  Danielson  3 have  been  chosen  and  refused. 
Mrs.  Adams  shall  be  informed  of  this  Opportunity,  and  will 
doubtless  write  you.  it  grows  late,  and  as  I dont  recollect  any 
thing  further  at  present  conclude  with  Assurances  of  Friendship 
Yours  Affectionately, 

J.  Warren 

October  16th.  The  Enemy  have  lately  made  some  havock 
among  our  Privateers,  and  Mr.  Knox  is  arrived  from  England 
with  a Load  of  Goods.  I suppose  under  the  Sanction  of  Doct’r 
F’s  Certificate.4 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Oct.  30th,  1780 

My  dear  Sir,  — I arrivd  in  this  City  after  a tedious  [journey] 
about  a fortnight  since.  I am  in  hopes  of  settling  my  Affairs  with 
Congress  without  the  disagreable  necessity  of  a public  Appeal.  I 
find  Congress  much  disposd  to  attend  to  public  business,  and 
avoid  disputes;  a laudable  disposition  and  worthy  of  being  culti- 

1 Amos  Winship,  surgeon  on  the  Alliance.  2 Caleb  Strong? 

3 Timothy  Danielson  (1733-1791).  Dexter,  Yale  Biographies,  11.  41 1. 

4 A letter  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  October  24,  1780,  is  in  Writings  of 
Samuel  Adams,  iv.  212. 


1780] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


*43 


vated,  tho’  my  Arch-Enemy  Mr.  Duane  avails  himself  of  it  to 
prevent  my  having  full  justice,  which  Congress,  but  for  the  fear 
of  his  exciting  new  discord  upon  it,  seem  perfectly  inclind  to 
do  me. 

The  conversations  I had  in  the  course  of  my  journey  with  the 
Governors  Trumbull  and  Clinton  satisfy  me  that  they  are  good 
and  wise  Whigs.  I stayd  some  days  with  the  Army  which  is  in 
every  respect  ill-supplied;  but  after  the  example  of  their  Leaders, 
they  bear  it  with  patriotic  patience.  The  detention  of  the  Cloth- 
ing, which  was  to  have  been  sent  from  France,  subjects  them  to 
great  distress,  and  enquiry  is  now  making  into  the  cause  of  that 
detention.  The  Admiralty  have  applied  to  me  for  an  Account  of 
it;  but  the  most  satisfactory  facts  ought  to  come  from  the  Purser, 
Sailing  Master,  Captain  of  Marines  and  Log  Book  of  the  Alliance. 
By  ascertaining  when  She  arrivd  at  L’Orient,  when  the  Supplies 
She  brought  were  shipt,  how  long  She  lay  with  them  in  without 
Dr.  Franklin’s  ordering  or  taking  any  measures  for  her  Sailing, 
how  soon  after  her  arrival  at  L’Orient  She  might  have  been  laden 
and  fitted  for  Sea,  what  prevented  this  being  done,  the  alterations 
and  expense  the  frigate  was  subjected  to  by  Capt.  Jones  and  the 
violence  of  his  conduct  towards  the  Purser  and  some  of  her  People 
together  with  his  Agent  Mr.  Moylan’s  1 attempt  to  starve  the 
Crew;  all  these  would  shew  to  whom  public  odium  and  punish- 
ment is  due.  Capt.  Jones  in  Letters  to  the  Admiralty  and  Mr.  R. 
Morris  has  accusd  me  of  being  the  cause  of  all  this;  and  therefore 
I am  more  desirous  that  the  truth  shoud  be  fully  investigated. 
Among  other  things  he  has  insinuated  that  my  family  and  Bag- 
gage were  accommodated  in  the  Space  which  shoud  have  been 
occupied  by  the  public  Stores.  Now  the  Officers  can  testify  and  I 
rely  on  your  friendship  for  having  these  points  put  to  them,  that 
my  Carriage  was  left  behind  because  it  woud  have  taken  up  room 
in  the  frigate,  that  I brought  with  me  only  my  youngest  Nephew, 
who  was  my  Secretary,  that  my  other  Nephew  having  paid  his 
passage  in  a Merchant  Vessel  was  taken  in  during  the  voyage  with 
several  other  passengers,  the  vessel  being  in  distress  and  obligd  to 
put  back.  That  instead  of  occupying  any  useful  room  in  the 
1 James  Moylan,  commercial  agent  at  L’Orient. 


144 


TVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1780 


frigate,  I lay  upon  the  tiller  case  and  both  my  Nephews  with  one 
of  the  Officers  in  his  birth.  It  is  perpetually  Dr.  Franklin’s  prac- 
tice to  employ  his  wicked  tools;  a number  of  whom  he  keeps  al- 
ways connected  with  him,  to  accuse  others  of  the  crimes  of  which 
he  is  himself  guilty.  His  recal  is  to  be  movd  for  on  monday,  but  I 
do  not  think  it  will  be  carried. 

By  the  latest  advices  from  Europe  53  Sail  of  the  british  W.  and 
E.  India  fleets  were  safe  in  Spanish  ports  with  1500  land  forces 
bound  for  the  E.  Indies.1  We  may  compute  their  value  at  3 mil- 
lion sterlg.  which  is  a most  dreadful  blow  and  must  bankrupt  half 
the  Nation.  Clinton  with  3500  troops  has  landed  at  Portsmouth 
in  Virginia  and  is  overrunning  the  Country  which  is  very  ill- 
prepard  to  repel  him. 

I beg  you  will  not  forget  my  most  respectful  Compliments  to 
Mrs.  Warren.  It  is  no  flattery  to  say  that  I never  met  with  a 
Lady  whose  conversation  pleased  me  more,  and  of  whose  esteem 
I shoud  be  more  flatterd. 

If  you  shoud  be  in  town  please  to  remember  me  to  the  President 
and  his  Family,  to  Capt.  Bradford  Mr.  Vernon,  Dr.  Cooper  and 
other  friends.  I have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  greatest  esteem, 
Dear  Sir,  your  most  Obedt  Servt 

A.  Lee 

P.S.  Oct.  31st.  By  the  latest  intelligence  we  learn  that  Corn- 
wallis had  began  a precipitate  retreat  from  Charlotte,  and  it  was 
thought  the  cause  of  it  was  some  attack  made  upon  their  posses- 
sions by  the  Spaniards,  Genl  Grean  and  Baron  Steuben. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Boston,  Novr.  2d,  1780 

My  dear  Sir,  — This  day  has  Compleated  all  our  Elections 
Except  for  a Lieut.  Governor  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Bowdoin,  who 
refused.  Tomorrow  that  is  to  be  done  and  I suppose  will  be  in  the 
same  stile,  it  is  Impossible  to  describe  to  you  in  its  full  Extent  the 

1 Taken  on  August  7. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


J45 


1780] 


prevalence  of  a Certain  Influence  here,  the  Papers  will  at  least 
shew  you  that  it  Exceeds  any  that  ever  took  place  in  any  Country, 
and  if  it  be  as  lasting  as  it  is  violent  and  Extensive,  will  be  a 
Singular  Phenomenon,  indeed,  I had  no  hand  in  the  matter  have- 
ing  gone  to  [Plymouth]  the  Saturday  before  and  not  knowing  till  I 
got  Home  that  I was  a Representative,  when  I returned  I found 
things  as  they  were,  but  in  the  whole  System  (for  a System  it  is) 
Nothing  Excited  my  resentment  so  much  as  the  Neglect  you  are 
treated  with,  neither  your  Beloved  Town,  the  County,  the  State, 
or  the  Two  Houses  have  shewn  any  Gratitude  for  your  many  and 
great  Services,  and  the  Man  who  had  the  greatest  hand  in  the 
greatest  revolution  in  the  world,  in  the  Choice  of  a Secretary, 
could  not  be  supported  in  Competition  with  Mr.  Avery.  I have 
feelings  on  this  Occasion  which  I shall  not  Attempt  to  describe  in 
a Letter.  Mr.  Bowdoin,  Genl.  Ward  and  myself  had  the  highest 
Numbers  of  Votes  for  Lieut.  Governor,  but  the  House  selected 
Mr.  Bowdoin  and  Coll.  Orne  for  the  Senate  to  take  one  from,  who 
they  will  select  tomorrow,  I neither  know  nor  Care.  Mr.  Powel 
has  been  Chose  a Senator  this  day  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Bowdoin 
and  Mr.  Jona.  Greenleaf  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Gerry,  and  the  former 
Elected  President.  [Some  lines  erased  and  others  struck  out.] 
every  thing  past  is  forgot  and  every  Body  that  will  not  worship 
the  great  Image  is  to  be  treated  in  that  way,  and  the  man  that 
formed  and  fashioned  it,  not  for  the  purposes  of  Idolatry  but 
public  good  has  not  Escaped.1 

[No  signature.] 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  November  15,  1780 

Sir,  — I put  a Letter  of  Introduction  into  the  Hand  of  a Son 
who  has  since  unfortunately  been  made  a prisoner  by  the  Portland 
Man  of  War,  and  though  held  as  an  Hostage  till  the  fulfilment  of 
Certain  Conditions  Mentioned  in  a Cartel  sent  to  Boston,  he  has 
been  treated  with  Great  Humanity  and  politeness,  by  Admiral 

1 The  rest  of  the  letter  is  missing. 


146 


barren- Adams  Letters  [1780 


Edwards,1  and  by  late  Letters  I find  he  purposes  to  pursue  his 
Voyage  to  Europe,  and  if  he  meets  with  no  New  Disappointment 
in  England,  it  will  not  be  long  before  he  will  reach  Paris,  where 
agreable  to  your  friendly  and  polite  invitation  he  will  immedi- 
ately wait  on  you. 

I believe  I may  venture  to  say  he  is  a youth  who  will  by  no  part 
of  his  Conduct  disgrace  the  Recommendations  of  his  Friends,  or 
disappoint  the  Expectations  of  the  parent.  Yet  whoever  enters  at 
an  early  period,  amidst  a World  of  strangers  and  traverses  a stage 
where  art,  not  Nature  reigns,  ought  to  be  well  acquainted  with 
himself,  as  well  as  with  the  History  of  Man,  to  parry  the  Intrigues 
laid  for  Innocence,  and  even  thus  Guarded,  without  the  aid  of 
Experience  he  may  be  liable  to  many  inconveniences  in  a Country 
where  politeness  assumes  the  air  of  Friendship,  where  Refinement 
is  wrought  up  into  the  Exstream  of  Elegance,  and  Luxury  height- 
ened by  a systematical  desire  to  please. 

I am  sir  too  well  acquainted  with  your  disposition  to  think  it 
necessary  to  ask  your  philosophic  Hints,  which  united  with  his 
own  Good  sense,  I trust  will  lead  him  through  with  approbation. 

Shall  I again  repeat  that  I think  myself  Happy  in  the  full  Con- 
fidence of  Friendship  with  a Gentleman  at  once  so  competent  to 
advise,  Direct,  and  aid,  and  so  Ready  to  point  the  youthful  ardor 
of  early  years  to  that  Line  of  Conduct  which  leads  to  Happiness. 

His  Views  are  chiefly  of  a Commercial  Nature,  but  improved  by 
Industry  and  Observation,  it  may  be  a Happy  Opportunity  of 
Qualifying  for  more  extensive  usefulness.  I once  thought  I should 
have  trembled  for  the  safety  of  a son,  in  the  Morning  of  Expecta- 
tion, in  the  Zenith  of  Warm  hope,  steping  into  the  Larger  Theatres 
of  Intrigue,  Bussiness,  and  Luxuriant  Taste. 

But  I have  now  no  Idea  that  the  Morals  of  youth  can  suffer 
much  by  leaving  Boston  for  any  part  of  Europe,  and  the  Change  of 
Manners  in  this  Country  has  brought  me  to  bid  Defiance  to  any 
disagreable  Consequences  from  a Change  of  place.  A thousand 
things  on  this  occasion  might  flow  from  the  lip  of  Maternal  ten- 
derness, did  not  Civility  to  you,  and  an  Attention  to  your  pub- 
lic Avocation,  forbid. 

1 Richard  Edwards.  See  Allen,  A Naval  History  of  the  American  Revolution,  625. 


1780]  JVarren- Adams  Letters  147 


I shall  therfore  only  add  on  this  subject,  if  my  son  reaches  your 
Residence,  whither  it  be  in  France  or  Holland,  I am  sure  of  a New 
proof  of  your  Friendship  to  the  Father,  in  the  Explicit  opinions 
you  will  occasionally  give,  both  of  Men,  and  Manners,  and  the 
kind  assistance  you  will  confer  (if  necessary)  to  the  prosperity 
of  a Beloved  Son.  as  I understand  he  destroyed  most  of  his 
Letters  on  the  Capture  of  the  Pallas , the  above  is  nearly  a copy 
of  a few  Lines  designed  for  you  dated  May  15th,  ’80. 

In  that  was  hinted  the  situation  of  your  Country,  the  Various 
opinions  of  priests,  polititians,  statsmen,  soldiers  and  courtiers, 
with  regard  to  the  Establishment  of  Civil  Government  in  the 
Common  Wealth  of  Massachusetts.  The  Arrangement  of  officers 
under  the  New  Constitution  you  will  have  from  other  hands,  and  a 
Detail  of  the  administration,  as  well  as  opperation,  of  a system,  so 
compleat  in  all  its  parts,  that  the  Wishes  of  all  parties  are  con- 
centered in  one  Great  Object,  and  Whigs  and  Tories,  Infidel  and 
Religionists  all  agree  that  some  portion  of  Idolitry  is  Necessary 
for  the  support  of  the  political  Machine,  of  course  the  Daily 
Incense  is  offered  in  the  Capital,  and  the  Guilded  puppet  placed 
on  the  public  Theatre  a few  years  ago  (for  certain  purposses)  is 
Become  the  Idol  to  whom  the  supple  Homage  of  Adulation  is 
paid,  by  a people  once  Disinterested,  Firm,  Discerning,  and 
Tenatious  of  Their  Rights. 

That  tinture  of  Enthusiasm  which  is  perhaps  characteristic  of 
the  North  American  is  now  heated  with  the  Emulation  of  Exhib- 
iting the  Highest  Instances  of  Worship,  yet  the  Image  whose  Feet 
are  of  Clay,1  may  in  a short  time  become  as  the  Chaff  of  the 
summer  Threshing  Floor,  unless  like  another  Pisastratus,  for  the 
sake  of  prolonging  his  power,  he  should  Govern  according  to  the 
Minutest  Forms  of  the  Constitution. 

Forgive  this  little  sally,  was  you  sir  in  this  City  you  would  not 
Wonder.  Addresses,  Assemblys,  Entertainments  and  Balls  have 
ushered  in  the  Happy  Era  of  Republicanism,  if  this  Infant  Com- 
mon Wealth  can  thus  stand  in  its  pupilage,  when  Time  has 
Matured  its  strength,  and  the  Horrors  of  War  are  Dispeled,  will 
it  not  become  the  Wonder  of  the  World.  But  I forbear.  I in- 


1 Hancock. 


148 


Warren  -Adams  Letters  [1780 


tended  no  political  observations  when  I began,  least  amidst  the 
complicated  scenes  arround  us,  I might  be  led  to  say  something 
to  the  Disadvantage  of  my  Country,  if  it  should  chance  to  be 
perused  by  any  Eye  but  yours.  . . . 

Marcia  Warren 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Novr.  20th,  1780 

My  dear  Sir,  — In  your  Letter  of  the  17th  of  Septr.  which  is 
still  before  me  you  say,  that  “the  Tongue  of  Malice  has  always 
been  employd  against  me,”  and  in  mentioning  it,  you  discover 
the  Feelings  of  a Friend.  It  may  perhaps  in  some  Measure  relieve 
those  Feelings,  if  I tell  you  that  it  serves  to  make  me  the  more 
Watchful  over  my  self,  lest  by  any  Misconduct,  I should  afford 
Occasion  to  malicious  Men,  to  say  that  of  me  which  would  give 
me  just  Cause  to  be  ashamd.  It  is  said  to  be  a Misfortune  to  a 
Man,  when  all  speak  well  of  him.  Is  it  then  an  Advantage  to  a 
Man,  that  he  has  Enemies?  It  may  be  so,  if  he  has  Wisdom  to 
make  a good  Use  of  them.  We  are  apt  to  be  partial,  in  our  own 
Judgment  of  our  selves.  Our  Friends  are  either  blind  to  our 
Faults,  or  not  faithful  enough  to  tell  us  of  them.  The  malicious 
Man  will  utter  all  Manner  of  Evil  of  us,  and  contrive  Means  to 
send  it  post  haste  to  our  Ears,  and  if  among  much  Slander,  they 
say  some  Truths,  what  have  we  to  do,  but  to  correct  past  Errors, 
and  guard  against  future  ones.  The  Report  you  mention  as  propa- 
gated of  me,  is  groundless.  Would  any  Man  in  his  Senses,  who 
wishes  that  the  War  may  be  carried  on  with  Vigor,  prefer  the 
temporary  and  expensive  Drafts  of  Militia,  to  a permanent  and 
well  appointed  Army.  But  Envy  knows  no  other  Business  than 
to  calumniate? 

Mr.  Penny  [Penet]  has  deliverd  me  your  Favor  of  the  2d  In- 
stant. He  has  also  brought  us  a Paper  which  exhibits  a Picture 
of  the  Times.  You  express  too  much  Resentment  at  the  Ingrati- 
tude which  you  imagine  has  been  shown  to  your  Friend  — that 
his  Name  has  not  been  found  in  any  of  the  Lists,  and  especially, 


1780] 


barren -Adams  Letters 


149 


that  he  could  not  be  supported  in  Competition  with  Mr.  [Avery]. 
Your  Friend  makes  no  Claims  on  his  Country,  nor  does  he  set 
himself  in  Competition  with  Mr.  [Avery]  whose  Connexions  have 
made  him  a necessary  Man.1  He  is,  I confess,  one  whom  I have 
esteemd  for  his  Honesty  and  easy  good  Humour.  We  have  been 
entertaind  with  the  Speeches  both  before  and  after  putting  on  the 
Regalia,  and  we  expect  to  see  Congratulatory  Addresses  from 
various  Orders,  civil  and  ecclesiastick.  I shall  pity  the  Governor 
if  he  is  apt  to  be  discomposd  with  the  high  Complimentary  Stile. 
I could  wish,  if  we  must  have  abundant  Addresses  to  see  the 
manly  Simplicity  of  Barckly  the  Quaker  in  his  Dedication  to 
Charles  the  2d  of  England.2  Excepting  that  Instance,  I do  not 
recollect  ever  to  have  seen  an  Address  to  a Great  Man,  that  was 
not  more  or  less,  and  very  often  deeply,  tincturd  with  Flattery. 

If  the  Town  Clerk  of  Ephesus,3  has  “treated  me  with  great 
Disrespect,”  I am  sorry  for  him.  It  gives  me  no  Uneasiness  on  my 
own  Account.  If  he  treats  every  one  in  that  way  who  “will  not 
worship  the  Great  Image,”  he  leaves  me  in  the  best  of  Company, 
Company  which  he  may  at  another  Time,  find  it  his  Interest,  if 
that  governs  him,  to  court  and  respect.  We  are  even  reducd  to  the 
Hutchinsonian  Times,  if  a Citizen  shall  think  himself  constraind 
to  malign  his  old  Friend,  merely  because  the  Great  Man  has  been 
prevaild  upon  to  mark  him  as  his  Enemy?  But  the  History  of  all 
Ages  and  all  Countries  shows,  that  there  is  no  Absurdity  into 
which  Idolatry  will  not  lead  Men.  Pray  remember  me  to  my 
Friend  Mr.  Gerry,  and  tell  him  I have  not  forgot  his  Letters  and 
that  I will  write  him  soon.  All  my  Friends  complain  of  me  for 
Omission  on  that  Score.  Mr.  Peny  I suppose  will  return  in  a few 
Days.  Adieu.  Your  affectionate, 

S.  A 

Will  you  call  on  Mrs.  A.  and  let  her  know  that  I am  well. 

1 Perhaps  Avery  is  the  person  described  in  a letter  to  Mrs.  Adams,  March  7,  1779,  in 
Writings  of  Samuel  Adams,  iv.  129. 

2 Robert  Barclay  (1648-1690).  The  letter  to  the  King,  dated  November  25,  1675,  is 
in  the  Apology. 

3 William  Cooper. 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1780 


1 5° 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Boston,  November  22d,  1780 

My  Dear  Sir,  — Two  days  ago  I received  your  favour  of  the 
18th  March,  without  ever  hearing  before  of,  or  seeing  since  the 
Gentleman  there  recommended,  when  I have  an  Opportunity  I 
shall  most  certainly  pay  proper  respect  to  your  recommendations, 
by  taking  proper  Notice  of  him.  my  last  to  you  was  by  a French 
frigate  from  Newport  with  a copy  of  what  went  by  Capt.  Hayden 
from  here  to  Amsterdam  I believe  I gave  you  a General  State  of 
our  Affairs  here,  and  as  you  will  doubtless  get  one  of  them,  I shall 
not  trouble  you  with  repetitions,  since  that  our  New  Government 
has  taken  place,  the  Papers  will  tell  you  who  are  the  Governing 
Powers,  that  compose  the  Administration,  it  is  only  necessary  for 
me  to  tell  you  that  it  is  now  perfectly  Systematic,  the  Influence 
here  is  as  uniform,  and  extensive  as  in  England,  and  the  Criterion 
to  determine  the  qualifications  for  office  much  the  same  as  in  the 
most  Arbitrary  Governments,  or  in  the  most  servile  Nations, 
how  long  this  will  last  I dont  know,  whether  Pisistratus  will  be 
able  to  establish  himself  Perpetual  Archon,  or  whether  he  will  be 
able  to  convey  that  Honor  and  rank  to  his  Family  by  hereditary 
right  Time  must  determine  he  has  no  Guards,  yet  established, 
but  he  has  unbounded  Adulation,  and  Submission  and  that  may 
effect  here  all  the  purposes  for  which  Guards  were  necessary  at 
Athens,  it  is  certain  there  is  a greater  Influence,  and  a more 
unlimited  Confidence  here  than  is  consistent  with  a Republi- 
can Government,  that  Influence  has  already  effected  here  what 
Hutchinson  was  never  able  to  do,  it  has  not  only  removed  S. 
Ad[ams]  from  all  Share  in  the  Government  but  taken  from  him  his 
Bread,  and  given  the  Secretaryship  to  Mr.  Avery,1  Son-in-Law  to 
the  Lieutenant  Governor.  Your  Friend  Gerry  is  the  next  Object 
and  who  among  you  that  at  Congress  committed  the  unpardonable 
Sin  of  opposing  or  not  submitting  to  his  Measures,  is  uncertain, 
perhaps  the  Extent  of  the  Atlantic  may  secure  you,  and  Mr. 
Dana  for  a while,  we  have  no  public  News,  our  Troops  have 

1 John  Avery  (1739-1806)  held  the  office  of  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  from  1780 
to  his  death. 


1780] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


1 5 1 


gained  some  Advantages  in  Carolina,  but  there  is  no  prospect  of 
any  great,  and  decisive  Strokes.  Clinton  is  landed  in  Virginia 
with  about  3500  Troops  what  will  be  the  Issue  is  uncertain. 
Chesapeak  is  a fine  Trap,  if  policy  and  spirit  should  dictate  to  the 
French  in  the  W.  Indies  an  Expedition  here.  The  State  of  Ver- 
mont as  they  stile  themselves  grow  Troublesome.  I believe  it  is 
certain  they  have  made  a Truce  with  the  Gov.  of  Canada  for  a 
Number  of  days,  and  it  is  said  they  are  on  this  occasion  making 
peremptory  demands  on  Congress,  to  acknowledge  their  Inde- 
pendence, within  a certain  Time,  the  French  Fleet  and  Army 
still  at  Newport  and  the  several  States  employed  in  ways  and 
means  to  fill  up  their  Army  during  the  War  and  in  arranging  their 
finances  to  pay  and  supply  them,  if  any  Body  asks  how  long  the 
War  is  to  continue,  I shall  refer  them  to  you,  who  can  tell  much 
better  than  I can.  Mrs.  Warren  writes  to  you,  and  may  make  her 
own  Acknowledgments  for  the  Compliment  you  make  her.  My 
Compliments  to  Mr.  Dana  and  the  Young  Gentlemen.  I am  Your 
Friend  and  Humble  Servant, 

J.  Warren 

P.S.  We  hear  that  Mr.  Laurence  [Laurens]  is  taken  and  carried 
to  Newfoundland,1  and  that  you  are  at  Amsterdam  I wish  you 
success  and  Happiness  wherever  you  are. 

No  Advice  yet  of  the  Trunk  committed  to  Doct’r  Winship,  and 
perhaps  never  will,  unless  you  catch  him  in  France. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Plymo.,  Deer.  4th,  1780 

My  Dear  Sir,  — My  last  was  upon  the  Subject  of  dissipation 
of  Manners,  this  shall  be  on  Inattention  to  public  Principles. 
Either  of  them  may  be  dangerous  to  a Young  Republic,  and  when 
united  may  Shake  the  foundations  of  an  old  one.  I suppose  you 
have  before  this  seen  the  doings  and  Resolutions  of  the  Hartford 

1 Taken  in  the  Mercury  packet  from  Philadelphia. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


152  HArren- Adams  Letters  [1780 


Convention.1  if  one  of  them  does  not  astonish  you  I have  forgot 
my  political  Catechism,  surely  History  will  not  be  Credited  when 
it  shall  record  that  a Convention  of  Delegates  from  the  four  New 
England  States  and  from  the  next  to  them  met  at  Hartford  in  the 
Year  1780,  and  in  the  heigth  of  our  Contest  for  public  Liberty  and 
Security  solemnly  Resolved  to  recommend  it  to  their  several 
States  to  Vest  the  Military  with  Civil  Powers  of  an  Extraordinary 
kind  and,  where  their  own  Interest  is  Concerned,  no  less  than  a 
Compulsive  power  over  deficient  States  to  oblige  them  by  the 
point  of  the  Bayonet  to  furnish  money  and  supplies  for  their  own 
pay  and  support,  this  must  have  been  done  without  recollecting 
political  Maxims,  without  attending  to  Historical  Admonitions 
and  warnings,  or  the  Principles  on  which  our  Opposition  to 
Britain  rests.  General  Washington  is  a Good  and  a Great  Man. 
I love  and  Reverence  him.  But  he  is  only  a Man  and  therefore 
should  not  be  vested  with  such  powers,  and  besides  we  do  not 
know  that  his  successor  will  be  either  Great  or  Good,  much  less 
can  we  tell  what  Influence  this  precedent  may  have  half  a Cen- 
tury hence,  sat  Verbum  sapienti.  I hope  the  Resolution  will  at 
least  shew  Congress  that  something  is  necessary  to  be  done,  it 
is  obvious  that  your  proportions  of  Men  and  supplies  to  the 
several  States  are  unequal  and  Consequently  Unjust.2  but  what 
is  more  surpriseing  is  your  Method  for  a final  Adjustment,  which 
is  a full  and  ample  Encouragement  to  every  State  to  be  totally 
deficient,  the  Exertions  of  Massachusetts]  and  Hampshire  sup- 
ported your  Army  last  Campaign,  they  gave  Three  pounds  for 
Beef.  Connecticut  and  the  other  deficient  States  as  a reward  for 
their  Shameful  Negligence  are  to  be  Excused  upon  paying  33/4. 
we  are  now  again  Exerting  ourselves  on  your  New  Requisitions 
(which  by  the  way  come  very  late),  but  this  cant  last  long  unless 
the  other  States  are  made  to  do  their  Duty,  shall  the  M.  over 
Taxed  as  they  are  furnish  the  whole  and  Pennsylvania]  not  a 
Thousandth  part,  and  Connecticut  not  a quarter,  and  so  sink 
one-half  the  value  and  be  at  the  same  time  Continually  wounded 
with  the  Groans  of  the  Army,  some  new  Step  must  be  taken,  or 


1 Records  of  Connecticut , n.  562. 

2 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xvm.  ion. 


1780] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 5 3 


the  Ship  will  go  on  Shoar.  I have  no  News.  I wish  you  every 
Happiness  and  am  your  Friend, 

J.  Warren 

What  has  been  the  fate  of  our  Memorial,  if  Congress  will  not 
do  us  Justice,  I will  Instantly  quit,  or  rather  I must. 


James  Lovell  to  James  Warren 

Deer.  5,  1780 

Dear  Sir,  — In  your  Letter  of  Sepr.  28  you  make  the  most  just 
Remarks  upon  the  manner  in  which  our  naval  Affairs  have  been 
fostered  here;  I think  it  not  becoming  my  Situation  to  say  starved. 

Some  days  ago  the  Salaries  given  Sepr.  13  and  23  were  made  to 
have  retrospect  to  Nov  2d  1778,  but,  yesterday,  to  Sepr.  1 1777. 

By  Letters  from  Spain  reed,  yesterday  I find  that  our  Friend 
Jos.  Gardoqui  will  be  here  to  succeed  Don  Mirailles.  Spain  is  slow 
towards  alliance,  well  disposed  as  to  Money  for  our  Use,  but,  be 
assured,  she  wants  it  herself  there.  She  may  help  us  nearer  home. 
She  was  upon  a Scheme  of  getting  some  in  France  which  Necker 
found  out  and  stopped  by  his  Influence.1 

I shall  not  be  able  to  hint  these  Things  to  Mr.  Gerry.  In  short, 
I believe  I shall  soon  be  obliged  to  omit  taking  Pen  in  hand  except 
on  Committees;  I shall  otherwise  neither  serve  the  public  nor  my 
friends  with  propriety.  Your  Friend  and  humb  Servt. 

J.  L. 

Some  Constitutions  of  Bodies  politic  may  be  supposed  to  be  so 
good  in  themselves  that,  like  some  human  Frames,  they  may  not 
want  a skilful  Physician  to  watch  them:  They  may  only  now  and 
then  stand  in  need  of  an  half  bred  Apothecary  and  his  Assistant, 
with  their  Ivory  Tube. 

1 “No  printing”  is  written  against  this  paragraph. 


*54 


W. arren  - Adams  Letters  [1780 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Amsterdam,  Deer.  9,  1780 

My  dear  Friend,  — Your  Favours  of  July  11  and  19  are 
before  me.  They  were  received  at  Paris  in  my  absence  and  it  is 
not  long  since  I received  them.  I have  led  such  a wandering  Life 
that  I have  not  had  Time  to  answer  them,  till  now. 

We  expect  every  day  to  receive  the  Lists  of  the  new  Adminis- 
tration, the  Speech  at  opening  the  first  General  Court,  etc.  A 
high  regale  they  will  be. 

I am  of  your  Mind  concerning  the  Flaggs  to  England  and  the 
Importations  from  thence.  Poor  Trumbull  and  Tyler,  as  well  as 
Mr.  Laurens,  will  convince  our  Countrymen,  I hope.  Great 
Britain  has  become  literally  in  the  Language  of  old  Authors  con- 
cerning Atilla,  “The  Scourge  of  God  and  the  Plague  of  Mankind.” 
She  must  be  abandoned  and  renounced  for-ever.  There  has  been 
too  much  weak  Communication  with  them  which  must  be  cut  off. 

I can  tell  you  little  News  from  this  Country.  The  Designs  of 
France  and  Spain  you  will  learn  from  others;  you  cannot  have 
them  from  me  because  I know  them  not.  The  Design  of  the  Dutch 
is  to  keep  Peace,  if  possible.  No  Resentments  of  Injuries  or  In- 
sults, No  Regard  to  national  Honour  or  Dignity  will  turn  them 
out  of  their  pacific  Course.  They  will  lend  Money  and  hire  Trans- 
ports to  the  English  and  sell  Goods  to  America  and  naval  Stores 
to  France  and  Spain;  in  short,  get  Money  out  of  all  Nations,  but 
go  to  war  with  none.  They  will  not  lend  us  any  Money,  nor  do 
anything  to  favour  us,  but  get  Money  out  of  us,  lest  England 
should  declare  War  against  them  for  aiding,  abetting  and  com- 
forting Rebellion,  against  Treaties  which  the  English  have  long 
since  declared  void,  but  the  Dutch  still  hold  sacred,  as  their 
Honour  and  their  Religion. 

Such  a Nation  of  Idolaters  at  the  Shrine  of  Mammon  never 
existed,  I believe,  before.  The  English  are  as  great  Idolaters,  but 
they  have  more  Gods  than  one. 

The  Republick,  however,  has  acceded  to  the  armed  Neutrality, 
and  we  expect  in  the  Course  of  five  or  six  Weeks  to  know  the 
Principles  and  the  System  of  it,  how  many  Nations  have  joined 


1780]  JVarren -Adams  Letters  155 


in  it,  and  what  we  may  expect  from  it.  The  Principle  that  free 
Ships  shall  make  free  Goods,  will  assist  us  in  procuring  present 
Supplies,  and  will  be  more  useful  to  America  hereafter,  when  she, 
as  I hope,  will  be  neutral,  although  other  Nations  may  be  at  war, 
than  to  any  nation  of  Europe.  But  I don’t  expect  that  any  sensible 
Advantage  will  result  from  it  to  us,  very  soon.  The  Prince  of 
Orange  and  the  States  General  will  proceed  so  slowly,  not  to  say 
will  affect  so  many  Delays,  that  it  will  be  some  years  before  any 
great  Thing  will  result  from  it. 

My  eloquent  Friend,  the  Abby  Raynal,  whose  History  you  men- 
tion, is  publishing  a new  Edition  of  that  work  in  which  he  has 
inserted  the  compleat  History  of  our  Revolution.  He  says  he 
has  mentioned  my  Name  as  one  of  the  Characters  without  which 
the  Revolution  would  not  have  been  accomplished.  At  the  same 
time,  he  says,  he  has  cast  some  Blame  upon  me.  I told  him  I was 
then  sure  at  least  of  such  an  Immortality  as  he  wanted  who  burnt 
the  Temple,  but  I have  promised  to  attack  him  if  he  has  abused 
me.  He  won’t  let  me  see  it;  perhaps  he  may  alter  it  and  erase  my 
Name.  I told  him  he  ought  to,  if  he  has  ascribed  a fifth  part  of  the 
work  to  me,  as  he  says  has,  because  1 it  is  exactly  one  three  mil- 
lionth that  belongs  to  me.  Be  it  as  it  may  suum  cuique  Decus 
Posteritas  expendit.  I wish  I were  at  home,  that  I might  do  some- 
thing worthy  of  History;  here  I can  do  nothing.  The  beauteous 
olive  Branch  will  never  decorate  my  Brows.  I must  spend  my 
Life  in  the  Pride,  Pomp  and  Circumstance  of  glorious  War,  with- 
out sharing  any  of  its  Laurels. 

My  most  profound  Respect  to  Mrs.  Warren.  I dread  her  His- 
tory more  than  that  of  the  Abby.  I want  to  know  in  what  Colours 
she  will  draw  Brother  Lee.  He  little  knew  what  eyes  were  upon 
him.  Most  affectionately  yours. 

i It  is  exactly  th  that  belongs  to  me.  — Note  by  John  Adams. 

3,000,000 


156  IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1780 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Amsterdam,  Deer.  9,  1780 

Madame,  — It  is  not  long  since  I received  your  Favour  of  the  24 
of  July,  and  a wandering  unsettled  Life  has  prevented  me  hitherto 
from  answering  it.  Be  assured,  Madame,  that  my  Friends  are  not 
so  good  Correspondents  as  you  think  them.  You  may  almost  al- 
ways take  it  for  granted  that  I am  uninformed  and  that  every 
Piece  of  Information  from  home  will  be  agreeable  and  usefull  to  me. 

I wish  Success  to  the  Act  for  cutting  off,  forever,  all  Communi- 
cation with  England.  We  shall  never  have  any  but  such  as  will  be 
pernicious  to  us.  That  unfortunate  Nation  grows  every  day  more 
and  more  inimical  to  us  and  to  themselves.  They  have  been  great 
and  wise,  but  their  Day  is  past.  They  will  persecute  us,  as  they 
did  our  Fathers,  and  the  worst  Engine  they  have  to  play  against 
us  is  the  Remainders  of  a Prejudice  in  their  favour. 

The  Letter,  Madame,  which  you  sent  me  by  your  Son,  I sup- 
pose is  in  the  Sea.  His  Capture  is  no  longer  unknown  to  you. 
Where  he  is  I know  not;  I hope  in  America,  exchanged.  It  would 
have  given  me  great  Pleasure  to  have  contributed  somewhat  to  his 
Entertainment  in  Europe.  It  is  not,  however,  a Country  where  I 
should  wish  the  Sons  of  my  Friends,  any  more  than  my  own,  to 
reside.  There  are  Snares  enough  for  youth  every  where;  but  they 
are  fewer  in  America  than  here,  and  American  youth  discover  in 
Europe,  I think,  a greater  Propensity  to  Folly  and  Vice  than  the 
Natives.  I grow  every  day  more  and  more  wearied  and  disgusted 
with  Europe,  and  more  and  more  impatient  to  return  forever  to 
that  Country  where  alone  I ever  was  or  shall  be  happy.  Perhaps, 
however,  I may  not  be  so  fortunate  in  crossing  the  Ocean  the 
fourth  time.  Perhaps  a long  Imprisonment,  or  a Fate  more  dis- 
agreeable, still  may  be  before  me.  Whatever  it  may  be  I shall 
meet  it  with  Fortitude  and  comfort  myself  with  the  Reflection 
that  no  Man  ever  suffered  in  a nobler  Cause. 

There  are  in  my  Power  means  enough  for  the  Pursuits  of 
Pleasure  and  of  Knowledge:  but  I have  not  the  Inclination  to 
make  that  Advantage  of  them  which  I should  have  done  in  earlier 
Life,  before  my  Soul  was  bowed  down  with  Care. 


1780] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 57 


I have  seen  in  the  Course  of  the  last  year  a Variety  of  King- 
doms, Empires  and  Republicks,  and  as  great  a Variety  of  Re- 
ligions, and  had  a fine  opportunity  of  remarking  the  Effects  of 
them  upon  human  Nature,  and  indeed  upon  the  very  Face  of  the 
Earth.  And  the  Result  of  all  has  been  a stronger  Attachment  to 
the  Religion  and  Government  of  my  native  Country  than  ever. 
I wish  every  American  youth  could  have  borne  me  Company.  He 
would  not  afterwards  need  to  swear  upon  the  high  Altar  Enmity 
to  Britain,  nor  Friendship  to  America.  It  seems  to  me  impossible 
that  Arnold  should  have  been  a Traitor  if  he  had  ever  made  the 
Journey  from  Ferrol  to  Amsterdam.  How  much  should  we  de- 
plore that  Spirit  of  Dissipation,  Vanity  and  Knavery,  which  in- 
fects so  many  Americans  and  threatens  to  ruin  our  Manners  and 
Liberties  in  Imitation  of  the  old  World. 

This  to  be  sure,  Madame,  is  preaching;  but  it  is  preaching  to  a 
Lady  who  knows  it  to  be  sound  doctrine  and  therefore  will  not 
despise  the  sermon  because  it  contains  nothing  new.  I have  the 
Honour,  etc. 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  December  19th,  1780 
My  dear  Sir,  - — Having  wrote  you  so  often  and  so  fully,  I 
presume  you  would  readily  excuse  me  if  I omitted  this  Oppor- 
tunity more  especially  as  I am  at  a distance  from  the  Capital,  and 
have  no  certain  News  to  hand  you,  but  that  Admiral  de  Ternay 
died  a few  days  ago  of  a fever  after  a few  days  Illness,  which  per- 
haps may  have  been  occasioned  by  Chagrin  and  disappointment, 
it  is  also  reported  here  that  Cornwallis  with  4000  Men  have  been 
surrounded  by  our  Troops  in  Carolina  and  taken  Prisoners,  if 
this  should  prove  true,  it  will  be  a great  Stroke,  and  damp  the  Joy 
in  England  on  the  Acquisition  of  Charlestown. 

Our  New  Government  has  been  Ushered  in  with  Great  Splendor, 
Balls,  Assemblies,  Entertainments  and  Feasts  equal  to  any  thing 
you  can  tell  of  in  Europe.  The  silly  feelings  of  Compassion  for  the 
distresses  of  the  Country,  and  the  wants  and  sufferings  of  the 


*5» 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


[ 1780 


Army  have  little  to  do  in  the  Capital.  The  whirl  of  pleasure  and 
amusement  has  taken  into  its  Vortex  the  Deacons  and  the  other 
good  People  who  seldom  used  to  be  seen  in  public  but  at  their 

Devotions.  Whether  you  will  find  good  Deacon  I rs  1 and  good 

Mr.  Scol[la]y  2 in  the  dancing  or  drawing  room  at  a Game  of  Whist 
or  leading  down  a Country  Dame  is  uncertain,  but  if  the  present 
G[overno]r  is  in  office  on  your  return  you  may  possibly  find  them 
in  one  or  the  other,  we  are  trying  to  get  an  Army  for  the  war  or 
three  years  I hope  to  succeed.  I shall  write  you  more  by  the 
next  Conveyance  permit  me  to  trouble  you  with  the  Inclosed 
Letter,  and  to  ask  you  to  tell  me  how  my  Son  does,  and  if  his 
Conduct  meets  your  Approbation.  Accept  Mrs.  Warren’s  re- 
gards, and  believe  me  to  be  Your  Sincere  Friend  and  Humble 
Servant, 

J.  Warren 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Deer.  25,  1780 

Dear  Sir,  — This  will  be  deliverd  to  you  by  my  friend  Col. 
Laurens,3  who  is  sent  Minister  to  sollicit  immediate  aid  from  the 
Court  of  Versailles.  It  is  late,  but  still  it  may  be  of  use.  I have 
proposd  to  Congress  the  sending  a Minister  to  the  Court  of  Peters- 
burg, as  the  Power  of  most  influence  in  the  neutral  Confedera- 
tion which  Confederation  it  is  probable  will  greatly  influence  the 
terms  of  a general  pacification.  Our  friend  Mr.  Dana  is  accord- 
ingly namd  Charge  des  afaires  at  that  Court:  Congress  have  also 
adopted  another  proposition  for  establishing  a Secretary  of  State 
for  foreign  Affairs,  but  have  not  yet  fixt  upon  the  person.  A Com- 
mittee have  reported  that  Doer.  Franklin  ought  to  be  recalld. 
But  Congress  have  not  yet  determind  upon  the  report,  nor  do  I 
know  what  will  be  their  opinion. 

I have  learnt  this  day  that  the  Purser  of  the  Alliance  4 deposd, 
upon  Capt.  Landais  trial  that  he  brought  over  in  the  Alliance  five 
hundred  pounds  worth  of  Goods  on  my  Account.  But  he  ought  to 

1 Ivers?  2 John  Scollay.  3 John  Laurens.  4 Nathan  Blodget. 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 59 


1780] 


have  stated  the  whole  truth  which  was,  that  I objected  to  their 
coming  in  the  Alliance , lest  it  shoud  be  an  infringment  of  the 
rules  of  the  Navy,  nor  woud  agree  to  it,  but  on  his  assuring  me, 
that  he  had  leave  from  the  Navy-board  to  bring  a certain  quantity 
of  Goods  on  his  own  account  and  in  his  own  berth,  and  that  these 
shoud  be  a part  of  that  quantity.  This  I always  understood  they 
were,  and  therefore  that  they  infringd  no  rule  nor  occupied  any 
space  that  woud  otherwise  have  been  employd  for  the  public.  If 
these  things  were  not  so,  he  mislead  me;  for  the  freight  of  them  in 
any  of  the  Ships  that  came  with  us  woud  have  been  but  £50,  an 
object  too  inconsiderable  to  induce  any  one  to  do  what  he  thought 
wrong. 

With  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Warren,  I have  the  honor  to  be, 
Dear  Sir,  your  most  sincere  friend  and  Servant, 

Arthur  Lee 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  December  28th,  1780 
Sir,  — Mr.  Warren  directed  to  you  only  one  week  since,  by 
Capt.  Cazneau  bound  to  Amsterdam,  therefore  has  now  left  it  to 
me  to  write  one  line  asking  your  Care  of  the  inclosed,  to  a son  for 
whose  Welfare  (a  Heart  so  Replete  as  yours  with  all  the  parental 
affections)  will  not  wonder  I am  exceedingly  solicitous. 

We  have  not  heard  from  him  since  he  embarked  at  N’foundland 
on  Board  the  Vestal  Frigate,  in  which  we  learn  your  Friend,  the 
Hon’ble  Mr.  Laurens,  was  sent  to  England,  and  it  is  Reported 
here,  was  immediately  Confined  to  the  tower.  I hope  this  Worthy 
Man  will  receive  no  personal  injury,  nor  the  Bussiness  on  which 
he  went  be  Materially  affected  by  his  Detention. 

Will  not  the  Minstry  be  at  a Loss  how  to  dispose  of  one  in  the 
Character  he  bears,  it  will  be  Humiliating  to  acknowledge  him  in 
the  Rank  of  an  Ambassador,  it  will  be  trifling,  and  ridiculous  to 
deny  it,  it  will  be  mean,  ungenerous  and  base,  to  treat  him  in  any 
manner  beneath  the  distinction  due  to  a public  Envoy. 

How  much  beyond  the  Line  Marked  out  in  a Letter  to  you,  have 


ILarren  -Adams  Letters 


[1780 


1 60 


this  Good  Gentlemans  P erigrinations  Extended,  before  he  “ Re- 
tires to  Learn  to  die.” 

But  some  need  not,  nor  do  others  wait  for  such  Favourable 
Circumstances  to  preceed  the  Grand  Exit.  The  late  sudden 
Death  of  a certain  Great  Officer  at  N’port  is  Matter  of  speculation 
here.1  Time  must  develope  the  Characters  of  Men,  and  unravel 
the  Intrigues  of  princes,  while  the  Innocent  may  Weep  for  the 
unfortunate  and  the  Vulgar  gaze  at  the  fall  of  Greatness,  as  sud- 
denly brought  low  as  the  Meanest  of  his  own  Class.  But  often  a 
Coincidence  of  Circumstance  may  occasion  the  Vague  suspition, 
and  an  imputation  of  Guilt  may  for  a time  light  on  the  Head  of 
those  who  least  deserve  it. 

Happy  is  the  Man  who  has  Equanimity  and  Virtue  enough  to 
Govern  the  Reins  of  Ambition,  and  preventing  the  Furious 
Courser  from  Rushing  into  forbidden  tracks,  has  true  Greatness 
of  soul  to  bear  him  above  the  Disappointments  of  Life,  whither 
occasioned  by  the  Common  acidents  of  Time,  or  the  Villany  of 
others. 

The  political  situation,  the  state  of  Commerce,  and  the  Military 
opperations  of  your  Country  is  a Field  I dare  not  enter,  they  are 
subjects,  too  much  above  the  Delineation  of  my  pen.  the  state  of 
parties,  the  Rapid  Growth  of  Idolatry,  the  Worship  of  the  pageant, 
the  Mimic  Greatness  of  Monarchy  in  Embrio,  are  too  much  below 
its  Exertions  to  describe,  nor  will  I for  your  sake  even  make  the 
Attempt. 

Mrs.  Adams  will  not  write  by  this  Conveyance  as  it  is  an  un- 
expected one  by  way  of  N’port,  but  she  was  well  a few  days 
since. 

if  a youth  I have  named  before  is  in  the  same  City  with  you,  the 
highest  mark  of  your  Friendship  will  be  that  advice  I know  you 
sir  to  be  capable  of  giving  to  the  young  and  inexperienced  stranger. 
Nor  am  I less  confident  of  your  Readiness  to  assist  the  Laudable 
Wishes  of  the  son  of  your  Friend,  (if  he  deserves  it,)  by  that  in- 
fluence which  Flows  from  a polite  and  Generous  Heart,  and  that 
he  will  not  fail  to  make  himself  Worthy  of  your  Warmest  Recom- 
mendations, is  the  most  Flattering  hope  of  his  Mother,  who  sub- 

I Ternay. 


1780] 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


1 6 1 


scribes  with  the  usual  Respect  and  Esteem.  But,  sir,  before  she 
adds  her  Name,  pray  remind  my  young  Friends,  that  all  Health 
and  Happiness  is  sincerely  wished  them  by 

M.  Warren 

Mr.  Warren  intends  writing  by  the  first  opportunity  from 
Boston,  desires  best  Regards  to  yourself  and  Mr.  Dana,  nor  is  Mr. 
Thaxter  forgoten  by  his  American  Friends. 


Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Novr.  18,  1780 

Permit  me,  my  dear  Sir,  with  the  most  unfeigned  Sincerity,  to  con- 
gratulate your  Excellency  on  your  Advancement  to  the  Chair  of  Govern- 
ment in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  It  affords  me  inexpressible 
Pleasure  to  find  that  the  Freemen  of  your  State  have  been  guided  by 
their  Judgment,  their  Gratitude  and  Regard  for  publick  Virtue,  to  give 
their  Suffrages  for  a Gentleman,  who  not  only  possesses  sufficient  Skill 
to  regulate  the  political  Wheels  of  Government,  but  has  the  Abilities 
and  Disposition  to  draw  forth  all  the  Resources  of  that  important  State 
in  Time  of  publick  Danger  and  lead  its  Forces  against  the  Common 
Enemy,  with  that  Judgment  and  Bravery  which  must  ensure  Success. 

As  I ever  supposd  your  Excellency  would  have  no  Rival  for  the 
Chair  after  your  Constitution  of  Government  was  formed,  my  Surprize 
was  beyond  Description  when  I found  that  you  had  a Competitor  for 
the  Chief  Magistracy;  1 who  in  times  of  publick  Danger  feard  to  venture 
upon  the  Stage,  and  whose  after  Conduct  seems  rather  to  have  proceeded 
from  fortunate  Successes  on  our  Side,  than  from  the  Result  of  Choice 
and  Deliberation. 

There  are  already  in  America,  too  many  Persons  possessing  the  most 
important  Offices,  who  at  the  Commencement  of  the  present  Contest, 
when  the  Event  was  doubtful,  used  every  Artifice  to  destroy  that 
Theater  upon  which  they  now  appear  with  so  much  Safety  and  Satis- 
faction. Though  this  may  easily  be  accounted  for,  from  the  Principles 
which  govern  the  human  Heart,  yet  I confess,  I am  not  able  to  decide 
upon  the  Conduct  of  those,  who  have  from  the  earliest  Period  been  high 
in  their  Professions,  have  condemnd  the  doubting,  the  timid  and  the 

1 James  Bowdoin. 


Warren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1780 


162 


neutral  American,  and  yet  use  all  their  Influence  to  promote  those  very 
Persons,  in  opposition  to  others  who  have  every  Claim,  that  Principles 
of  Gratitude  and  Patriotism  can  inspire  to  draw  their  Esteem  and 
Influence.  When  I discover  Conduct  like  this,  I cannot  help  observing, 
that  it  is  possible  for  some  Men  to  possess  the  best  of  Principles  for  the 
most  pernicious  Purposes. 

That  your  Excellency  may  long  experience  the  Gratitude  of  a brave 
and  generous  People,  equal  to  the  Merit  you  have  discoverd,  both  in 
publick  and  private  Life,  is  the  most  fervent  Wish  of,  dear  Sir,  Your 
Excellencys  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servant. 

His  Excellency  Gov.  Hancock, 

Boston. 


The  foregoing  is  copied  from  a Letter  signd  John  Sullivan,  publishd 
at  New  York  in  the  Royal  Gazzette  extraordinary,  printed  by  James 
Rivington  Monday  Deer.  18,  1780,  and  said  to  be  a Copy  from  the 
original.  The  Design  of  the  Writer  seems  to  be  merely  to  please  a Great 
Man:  That  of  the  Publisher,  partly  to  expose  the  Writer,  but  principally 
to  sow  the  Seeds  of  Disgust  in  the  Minds  of  some  very  respectable  Citi- 
zens in  this  Common  Wealth.  I think  Mr.  Rivington  could  not  have 
wishd  for  a fairer  Opportunity,  but  I am  satisfied,  they  have  more  Wis- 
dom than  to  be  caught  in  the  Snare. 

The  Letter  is  written  in  the  true  Stile  of  modern  Address;  and  it  is  a 
Pity  it  did  not  make  its  Appearance  in  public  before;  because  as  it  is  a 
perfect  Model,  it  might  have  been  of  Use  to  others,  from  whom  some 
Inaccuracies  have  escaped,  by  Means  of  their  not  having  been  Adepts 
in  that  Kind  of  writing.  I have  been  told  that  he  has  frequently  been 
addressed  himself,  and  I am  inclind  to  beleive  it.  The  Effects  are  such 
as  one  might  expect  from  a Man  of  his  Cast.  He  who  is  easily  susceptible 
of  Flattery,  will  soon  perswade  himself  that  he  is  in  Reality  that  Great 
Man  which  his  Flatterers  only  meant  to  perswade  him  to  think  they 
believe  him  to  be.  He  will  be  apt  to  suppose,  that  others  will  have  the 
same  exquisite  Feelings  by  being  flatterd,  as  he  has  had,  and  that  they 
will  conceive  themselves  as  highly  honord  by  it,  as  he  conceives  himself 
to  be  when  others  flatter  him.  Persons  who  relish  Flattery,  will  for  ever 
be  deceivd  by  those  who  design  to  deceive  them.  He  will  therefore  em- 
ploy himself  in  the  daubing  Business  as  often  as  he  can  find  suitable 
Subjects,  and  will  colour  in  so  fantastick  a Manner,  as  to  excite  a Blush 
on  the  Cheek  of  any  Man  who  has  a Spark  of  Modesty.  He  will  go  on 
suffering  himself  to  be  deceivd,  and  deceiving  others  like  himself,  till 
he  meets  with  him  who  only  can  be  called  the  truly  great  Man,  I mean  the 


1780]  TVarren -Adams  Letters  163 


Man  of  stern  Virtue.  Such  a Man  will  never  fail  to  frown  when  he  is 
flatterd,  and  his  Frowns  are  Death  to  the  Sychophant. 

This  Writer  pays  no  great  Compliment  to  the  People  (indeed  I imagine 
he  did  not  intend  it)  in  supposing  that  among  them  all,  there  could  be 
but  one  esteemd  qualified  “to  regulate  the  political  Wheels  of  Govern- 
ment,” as  he  expresses  it,  [illegible]  however  that  he  was  mistaken.  Two 
were  actually  in  Nomination,  and  more  were  thought  of  by  Men  of 
great  Judgment,  Authority  and  Experience  in  publick  Affairs.  He  is 
totally  unacquainted  with  the  Character  of  the  People,  as  they  are  with 
his;  nor  does  he  know  any  thing  of  the  Honourable  Gentleman,  whom  he 
calls  his  Excellencys  “Competitor,”  who,  he  says,  “in  time  of  publick 
Danger  feard  to  venture  upon  the  Stage,  and  whose  after  Conduct  seems 
rather  to  have  proceeded  from  fortunate  Successes  on  our  side,  than  from 
the  Result  of  Choice  and  deliberation.”  I am  also  ready  to  presume, 
that  he  is  not  fully  acquainted  with  the  Person  whom  he  takes  upon 
himself  so  freely  to  address.  He  ought  to  have  supposd  that  his  Excel- 
lency would  not  have  been  well  pleasd  with  a fulsome  Compliment  paid 
to  himself,  at  the  Expence  of  one  of  the  best  Characters  in  the  State. 
But  when  men  will  flatter,  they  run  a tilt  with  Honor,  Justice  and  Truth, 
and  if  their  Flattery  takes,  they  feel  no  Remorse.  The  Gentleman  whom 
he  has  attackd,  was  long  before  he  paddled  out  of  obscurity  one  of  the 
Helmsmen  of  the  Ship  of  the  State;  was  markd  by  Bernard  and  Hutchin- 
son as  a Champion  for  American  Liberty,  was  negatived  by  them  re- 
peatedly, by  express  Order  of  the  British  Ministry,  when  he  had  the  full 
Voice  of  his  Country  for  a Councillor;  continued  in  the  high  Esteem  of 
his  fellow  Citizens,  till  the  Royal  Government  was  dissolvd  by  Common 
Consent,  when  the  opportunity  offerd,  for  him  to  take  a Seat  which  had 
so  long  been  prevented  by  the  Governor.  This  he  did,  at  Watertown, 
while  the  Enemy  were  in  Boston.  A Time,  which  Men,  perhaps  less 
brave,  but  perhaps  however,  of  more  solid  Judgment  than  the  Letter 
writer,  thought  to  be  a “Time  of  publick  Danger.”  He  remaind  a 
Member  of  that  Board,  till  every  Body  saw  his  Health  was  in  so  bad  a 
State  as  no  longer  to  allow  of  it.  He  therefore  resignd  his  Seat;  a Cir- 
cumstance, which,  though  all  judgd  necessary,  was  regretted  by  all. 
He  has  since  however,  sustaind  the  honorable  Places  of  President  of 
that  much  revered  Body  who  formd  the  Constitution,  and  President  of 
the  Council  of  the  State  and  he  is  at  this  time  President  of  the  American 
Society  of  Arts  and  Sciences  in  Massachusetts.  How  little  are  the  Great 
Characters  in  this  Revolution  known,  to  those  who  were  not  the  earliest 
in  the  virtuous  Conflict! 


Aristides 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1781 


1 64 


Dear  Sir,  — The  Letter  with  the  Strictures  upon  it,  I propose 
to  be  publishd  in  Boston  if  you  approve  of  it.  I hope  the  Press 
there  is  free,  as  the  Constitution  dictates.  If  it  is  not,  the  Liber- 
ties of  the  People  which  we  have  been  struggling  for,  will,  in  my 
opinion  be  soon  lost.  I see  nothing  in  the  strictures  disrespectfull 
to  the  Governor  or  the  Government.  Indeed  they  were  hastily 
drawn,  and  I am  not  unmindful  of  the  Fable  of  the  Ape  and  her 
young  one.  My  Design  is  to  discountenance  the  Lovers  of  Flat- 
tery, and  to  vindicate  a respectable  Character  which  has  been 
wantonly  attackd.  We  must  support  such  characters.  You  will 
easily  see  that  for  one  reason  and  one  only,  it  would  be  imprudent 
for  me  to  be  known.  I am  willing  however  that  you  should  con- 
sult confidential  judicious  Friends.1  Yours.  Adieu. 

[Ao  signature .] 

Jany.  I,  ’81. 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Janry.  8th,  1781 

Mr.  A s instructions,  received  by  mr.  Searl,2  will  oblige  him 

to  continue  in  Holland  this  winter.  A Letter  arrived  for  me  at  the 
Southward,  mr.  L[ovel]l  coverd  it  with,  a Letter  of  his  own,  and 
the  Enemy  kidnapt  them  both,  when  they  stole  the  last  mail, 
possibly  mr.  Rivington  may  give  it  me  by  and  by.  I question  it, 
however,  my  absent  Friend,  made  wise  by  experience,  is  so  warry 
that  I dare  say,  they  will  get  no  Booty  in  politicks  from  him.  I 
saw  by  the  last  pensilvana  paper  under  York  News,  that  they  had 
got  a Letter  of  Dr.  Rush’s  which  they  have  promissed  to  print  in 
the  Next  paper  in  which  say  they,  he  treats  the  Rebel  Senate  with 
great  freedom,  that  both  you  and  I can  believe,  from  former 
Specimens.  Rush  will  care  as  little  as  any  body.  I wait  for  a key 
to  a Letter  which  I have  now  in  my  possession  to  give  you  some- 
thing, I fancy  which  will  be  entertaining.  I mean  to  write  you 

1 The  communication  is  not  found  in  any  Boston  newspaper  and  was  probably  unpub- 
lished. 

2 James  Searle,  agent  of  Pennsylvania  to  negotiate  a loan  in  Europe. 


1781] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


165 


soon  and  send  to  Boston  for  conveyance,  my  hands  freaze  by  the 
fire.  I return  the  Muslin  having  been  supplied,  the  black  hanker- 
chiefs  mr.  Gorge  may  sell  at  75,  but  I had  rather  the  coulourd 
should  be  returnd  if  they  will  not  fetch  80.  I can  part  with  them 
so  here.  Regards  to  the  young  Gentleman,  enclose  a Letter  and 
peice  of  News  paper,  have  you  seen  Hutchinsons  character,1  and 
an  other  peice  in  the  paper,  remarks  upon  George  Germains 
speech  in  the  house  of  commons?  you  will  know  the  writer,  pity 
my  fingers  now,  and  I will  tire  you  out  an  other  time.  Nabby 
sends  Duty,  longs  to  come  to  plimouth,  but  I am  jealous  of  trust- 
ing her  there  again  least  she  should  love  it  better  than  home.  I 
wish  you  would  not  live  there,  come  to  Boston,  to  Braintre  I had 
rather,  I fancy  the  place  will  be  to  be  sold  again,  yours  most 
affectionately  when  you  are  not  affronted  when  you  are,  sorrow- 
full  very  sorrowfull.2 

J.  C 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Braintree,  March  5,  1781 

I hoped  before  this  time  to  have  given  you  some  intelligence 
from  abroad  but  the  Mars  brings  me  only  two  Letters  from  mr. 
Thaxter,  written  before  he  left  Paris.  I find  by  a few  lines  of  mr. 
dana,  that  mr.  Guile  had  many  Letters,  he  sailed  in  October  and 
has  not  since  been  heard  of.  the  best  that  can  be  hoped  of  him,  is 
that  he  may  be  taken,  and  even  that  is  a situation  to  be  depre- 
cated considering  the  inhumane  policy  which  the  New  parliment 
and  the  successes  of  the  Britains  at  Charlestown  have  induced 
them  to  adopt,  as  you  will  see  from  extracts  from  mr.  A[dam]s 
Letters  to  Congress,  which  I enclose  to  you,  but  should  be  glad 
may  be  returnd  to  me  as  soon  as  a safe  conveyance  offers. 

1 “Extract  of  a letter  lately  received  from  a gentleman  in  Europe”  in  The  Independent 
Chronicle,  January  4,  1781. 

2 A letter  from  James  Warren  to  Arthur  Lee,  January  10,  1781,  is  printed  in  Lee,  Life 
of  Arthur  Lee,  n.  273;  and  one  from  Samuel  Adams  to  James  Warren,  February  1,  1781,  in 
Writings  of  Samuel  Adams,  iv.  242. 


1 66 


JLarren  -Adams  Letters  [1781 


Retaliation  is  a painfull  task  to  the  Humane  breasts  of  Ameri- 
cans, yet  is  certainly  due  in  justice  to  the  worthy  suffering  citizens 
and  especially  to  so  aged  and  so  respectable  a personage  as  the  late 
president  Laurence  [Laurens],  and  more  particularly  so  on  ac- 
count of  the  publick  character  with  which  he  was  invested. 

o!  My  dear  Madam  when  I reflect  upon  this  worthy  Mans 
situation  I cannot  feel  sufficient  Gratitude  to  Heaven  for  pre- 
serving my  dearest  Friend  from  a similar  situation,  and  thereby 
trying  me  with  a calamity  which  would  have  “harrowd  up  my 
soul.” 

I congratulate  you  Madam  upon  the  rising  Hero  in  the  south. 
General  Morgan  by  his  repeated  Successes  has  brightend  the  page 
of  our  History,  and  immortalized  his  own  Name,  whilst  the  op- 
portunely expedition  of  our  Allies  checked  the  treacherous  Arnold 
in  his  cruel  ravages,  and  opens  a prospect  for  his  speedy  destruc- 
tion. May  the  ancient  spirit  of  America  rise  with  her  successes, 
and  crush  the  venal  passion  for  Gain,  may  every  virtuous  citizen 
cooperate  with  the  Martial  Spirit,  and  drive  from  these  Distressed 
States  the  Mercenary  invaders  since  that  and  that  alone  is  like  to 
give  us  peace. 

With  regard  to  our  commercial  affairs,  you  must  have  misun- 
derstood me  with  regard  to  Tea,  because  I never  had  any  but 
what  I purchased  by  the  pound  for  my  family.  . . . 

[iVo  signature .] 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  June  15th,  1781 

Dear  Sir, — I receivd  lately  some  Letters  from  you  of  an  old 
date.  Others  Dr.  Shippen  tells  me  he  forwarded  to  Virginia  and 
in  the  confusion  of  the  times  they  will  probably  be  lost.  Mr. 
Blodget  was  exceedingly  wrong  in  answering  questions  which 
criminated  himself  and  as  far  as  they  concernd  me  were  extra- 
judicial. He  was  unjust  in  telling  upon  Oath  the  truth  and  not  the 
whole  truth,  which  whole  truth  woud  have  shewn  that  the  goods 
were  to  be  containd  in  one  trunk,  and  that  it  was  at  his  persuasion 


Warren  - Adams  Letters 


167 


1781] 


and  assurance  that  the  trunk  shoud  make  a part  of  what  he  was 
allowd  to  bring  that  I allowd  them  to  be  brought  in  the  Alliance 
contrary  to  what  I repeatedly  exprest  to  him.  As  the  Admiralty 
Board  is  filld  with  Duane’s  friends  and  Creatures,  they  did  not 
fail  to  report  this  and  every  thing  else  they  coud  cull  out  against 
me  to  Congress.  But  it  has  had  no  Effect,  that  I know  of,  on  that 
Body,  nor  has  any  use  been  made  [of]  it  without  doors. 

There  is  now  operating  in  union  against  Dr.  Lee’s  being  Minis- 
ter for  foreign  Affairs,  the  french  interest,  that  of  Dr.  Franklin 
and  of  Mr.  Duane  or  of  the  Tories.  You  will  not  therefore  wonder 
that  no  choice  has  been  made  since  their  Candidate  Chancellor 
Livingston,  who,  on  being  detected  with  his  Brother  in  partner- 
ship with  Arnold  in  his  illicit  plan  of  Commerce  with  N.  York, 
retird  from  Congress,  can  get  but  three  States.1  You  may  judge 
Sir,  by  their  proposing  and  supporting  such  a Candidate,  for  the 
most  confidential  office  in  the  U.  S.,  to  what  a pitch  of  audacity 
toryism  has  arrivd  in  Congress.  You  will  also  judge  what  respect 
the  french  have  for  our  whigg  principles  when  they  cultivate  and 
countenance  most  openly  the  avowd  Tories.  Their  policy  in  this 
is  to  have  a party  devoted  to  their  measures,  which  they  know 
are  not  for  the  interest  of  America,  and  which  they  therefore 
justly  conclude  the  true  whigs  woud  not  support.  But  they  have 
not  sagacity  enough  to  perceive  that  the  Tories  are  only  coinciding 
with  them  to  gain  an  ascendency  over  the  Whigs,  and  that  they 
are  ministering  to  views  directly  opposite  to  what  they  pretend 
the  support  of  our  Independence. 

What  I always  knew  must  now  be  clear  to  every  one  — that  it 
was  not  Dr.  Lee  but  his  principles  that  were  offensive  to  the 
french  Court:  since  in  conjunction  with  Dr.  Franklin,  they  have 
commenc’d  the  very  same  intrigues  against  our  friend  Mr.  J. 
Adams.  They  know  that  his  intentions  are  to  honest,  and  his 
mind  too  firm,  for  their  purposes;  and  therefore  they  are  endeavor- 
ing to  disgrace  him,  or  shakle  him  with  the  wiles  of  that  old, 
corrupt  Serpent,  who  has  constantly  sold  this  Country  to  them. 


1 On  January  17,  1781,  Robert  R.  Livingston  was  nominated  by  James  Mitchell 
Varnum  and  Arthur  Lee  by  Thomas  McKean,  for  the  office  of  Secretary  of  Foreign  Affairs. 
On  August  10  Livingston  was  again  nominated  by  William  Floyd  and  elected. 


1 68 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1781 


From  what  I know  past  relative  to  the  Fishery,  I am  sure  that  is 
one  of  their  objects;  and  that  this  manouvre  is  principally  to 
trick  us  out  of  that,  to  which  they  know  Mr.  Adams  is  an  invinci- 
ble obstacle.  I am  not  without  my  fears,  that  the  wisdom  and 
virtue  of  Congress,  will  not  be  proof  against  the  wiles  and  tempta- 
tions they  employ.  It  seems  to  me  therefore,  that  you  shoud 
endeavor  to  have  strong  Instructions  sent  from  N.  Hampshire 
and  Rhode  Island  to  their  Delegates,  who  certainly  stand  in  need 
of  them,  in  support  of  Mr.  Adams  and  in  maintenance  of  a full 
and  clear  right  to  the  Fishery. 

I have  heard  nothing  of  the  Grant  of  Land  made  me  by  the 
General  Court.  I am  very  desirous  of  having  that  matter  finisht 
and  therefore  shall  be  much  obligd  to  you  to  attend  to  its  execu- 
tion. It  is  not  clear  to  me  that  those  french  politics  and  a confi- 
dence in  their  promises  of  a second  Division,  which  I believe  was 
never  intended,  will  occasion  the  total  loss  of  Virginia.  It  is  al- 
ready almost  ruind.  Had  the  2d  Division  been  sent  as  it  was 
promist,  it  woud  have  enabled  us  to  drive  the  Enemy  out  of  the 
Country,  confirmd  our  Independency  and  finisht  the  War.  But  to 
finish  the  war  is  neither  the  interest  nor  object  of  France;  there- 
fore it  is  weak  in  us  to  expect  they  will  perform  such  a promise. 
But  if  we  coud  not  penetrate  so  far  into  their  policy,  yet  their  not 
having  performd  what  they  have  promist  for  fifteen  months, 
while  they  are  sending  larger  naval  Armaments  to  different  parts 
of  the  world,  to  make  conquests,  shoud  warn  us  that  we  are  made 
the  dupes  of  their  policy  and  the  instruments  of  their  ambition. 

Your  friends  in  Virginia  are  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  war, 
and  I fear  will  be  made  particular  objects  of  its  cruelty  and 
destruction. 

I beg  my  respects  to  Mrs.  Warren  and  Mrs.  Adams  and  my 
Compts.  to  the  two  Mr.  Bowdoins,  Mrs.  Gerry,  Mr.  Lowell  and 
the  rest  of  our  patriotic  friends.  Farewell. 


[Ao  signature.] 


1781]  JVarren- Adams  Letters  169 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  July  27th,  1781 

Dear  Sir,  — I receivd  your  favor  of  the  29th  of  April  a few  days 
ago.  The  Gentleman  you  have  fixt  upon  for  a high  office  is  in- 
debted to  your  partiality.  Certain  it  is,  that  the  French  have  put 
their  veto  upon  him  which  is  at  present  absolute.  That  influence 
flows  in  a full  stream  here,  and  until  it  ebbs  you  must  not  expect 
to  see  his  name  in  any  public  employment. 

It  was  my  intention  to  have  returnd  immediately  into  perfect 
privacy,  but  some  difficulties  about  what  I had  advancd  for  the 
State  of  Virginia  obligd  me  to  go  thither  and  return  to  settle  my 
Accounts,  which  they  are  very  slow  in  doing  and  without  which  I 
shall  not  demand  the  Salary  that  is  due  to  me  during  the  time  I 
was  Commissioner. 

Congress  have  very  injudiciously  I fear,  and  contrary  to  their 
resolutions  when  there  was  a plot  to  remove  me,  joind  Dr. 
FJranklin]  in  commission  with  Mr.  Adams  when  they  know  that 
unprincipled  old  man  has  created  differences  with  Mr.  Adams  and 
is  endeavoring  to  ruin  his  reputation.  Mr.  Jay,  Laurens  the  elder 
and  Govr.  Jefferson  are  added.  But  their  Instructions  1 are  such 
as  throw  them  at  the  feet  of  Count  Vergennes  in  every  thing  but 
Independency.  Mr.  Adams  can  no  more  escape  the  Snares  of  old 
Franklin  with  the  Count  to  assist  him,  that  I coud.  I do  not  say 
that  such  treatment  of  Mr.  Adams  is  unwise  and  unworthy;  only,  it 
is  as  cruel  as  if  they  had  stretchd  him  upon  an  iron  bed  of  torture  and 
left  the  old  man  at  full  liberty  to  glut  himself  with  tormenting  him. 

And  yet  it  is  not  easy  to  determine  what  our  friend  shoud  [do.] 
If  he  resigns  he  will  save  himself;  if  he  continues  he  may  serve  the 
Public.  If  he  resigns  he  will  leave  the  Public  at  the  mercy  of  those 
unprincipled  men;  if  he  continues,  he  may  be  a check  upon  them 
or  detect  their  wickedness.  But  whether  there  will  ever  [be]  virtue 
enough  candidly  to  enquire  and  duely  to  punish  State  crimes;  I 
cannot  determine.  Now  at  least  is  not  the  time;  but  perhaps  when 
foreign  influence  ceases,  justice  will  have  its  course  and  vice  its 
reward. 


1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xx.  651. 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1781 


170 


I cannot  say  how  much  I feel  myself  flattered  by  Mrs.  Warren’s 
remembrance  of  me.  I sympathize  with  her  and  Mrs.  Adams  in 
the  feelings  I know  they  must  have  for  their  Country  and  their 
friend  from  the  unworthy  proceedings  with  regard  to  him  in 
Congress.  But  as  pity  humiliates  the  object  of  it;  I would  have 
them  convert  it  into  a noble  contempt  of  those  persons  who  are 
the  authors  of  this  ungrateful  treatment.  His  Country,  unless 
lost  to  all  principle,  will  do  him  justice. 

My  Enemies  in  Congress  avail  themselves  as  much  as  possible 
of  Mr.  Blodget’s  testimony,  to  establish  a conclusion  that  I pre- 
vented the  Clothing  and  other  Stores  from  being  brought  in  the 
Alliance.  Not  one  of  them  believe  this,  but  their  wish  is  to  impose 
it  upon  others  in  order  to  shield  Dr.  Franklin,  his  Agents  and 
Partners,  whose  roguery  they  know  was  the  real  cause,  and  who 
seem  to  have  determind  that  the  refuse  things  they  purchasd 
shoud  never  reach  America  to  bear  witness  against  them.  But  as 
the  fact  upon  which  they  found  their  calumny  is  upon  Oath  and 
partially  stated,  I think  it  proper  that  the  whole  shewing  what 
space  the  Goods  occupyd,  when  they  were  taken  in,  and  whether 
they  did  in  any  manner  whatsoever  interfere  with  the  Stores, 
shoud  also  be  upon  Oath,  and  I beleive  Congress  will  direct  the 
Navy-board  to  examine  Mr.  Blodget  on  Oath  to  these  points. 

From  the  present  situation  of  things  it  must  be  some  years 
before  the  Land  granted  me  can  be  settled  or  any  profit  drawn 
from  it;  therefore  it  woud  be  reasonable  that  it  shoud  be  ex- 
empted from  taxes  for  a certain  number  of  years;  otherwise  the 
grant  will  be  a burthen  not  a benefit.  I shall  be  much  obligd  to 
you  to  attend  to  this  circumstance,  and  have  it  inserted  when  the 
Grant  is  compleated. 

Politics  here,  are  all  comprizd  in  a few  words.  We  lean  entirely 
on  the  French  and  on  Mr.  R.  Morris.  I wish  they  may  prove 
neither  broken  reeds,  nor  Spears  to  peirce  us.  No  late  Advices 
from  Europe. 

Please  to  make  my  respects  acceptable  to  Mrs.  Warren  and  the 
Mrs.  Adams’s,  and  remember  me  to  Mr.  Adams,  Gerry,  Lowell, 
Russel  and  all  other  friends  to  the  honor  and  independence  of 
America.  Adieu.  [iVo  signature.] 


1782] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


171 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  April  8th,  1782 

Dear  Sir,  — I venture  so  far  to  trespass  on  your  goodness  as  to 
beg  the  favor  of  you  to  get  the  interest  from  your  Treasury,  due 
for  two  years  upon  the  enclosd  629  Dolls,  of  the  one  for  forty 
emission  of  your  State,  and  transmit  the  money  to  me  by  the  first 
safe  opportunity.  I must  also  trouble  you  with  keeping  the  Bills 
themselves  for  me;  that  they  may  be  ready  to  be  disposd  of,  or  to 
draw  the  interest  as  hereafter  may  appear  most  beneficial. 

You  will  oblige  me  much,  by  letting  me  know,  whether,  the 
grant  made  me  by  your  Assembly  has  been  located,  or  in  what 
state  it  rests. 

It  gave  me  great  pleasure  to  hear,  that  you  and  Mrs.  Warren 
were  settled  so  near  Boston,  and  at  so  beautiful  a Seat  as  that  of 
the  late  Govr.  Hutchinson.1  It  has  not  always  happend  in  like 
manner,  that  the  forfeited  Seats  of  the  wicked,  have  been  filld 
with  men  of  virtue.  But  in  this  corrupt  world,  it  is  sufficient  that 
we  have  some  examples  of  it  for  our  consolation. 

The  detection  of  Mr.  Deane,  seems  not  to  have  drawn  any 
punishment  nor  even  odium  on  those  who  countenancd  and 
profited  by  his  wickedness.  Among  these  Dr.  Franklin  and  Mr. 
R.  Morris,  are  the  most  conspicuous.  The  latter  was  obligd  to 
acknowledge  in  the  News-papers  that  he  was  in  partnership  with 
Mr.  D[eane]  but  pretended  he  thought  him  a man  of  honor.  The 
Doctor  by  Letters  of  the  strongest  recommendation  endeavord  to 
deceive  Congress  into  a renewal  of  their  confidence  in  him,  with  a 
new  and  important  appointment.  There  are  Letters  in  town  from 
Mr.  Searle,  late  member  of  Congress,  declaring  that  he  has  been 
repeatedly  scandalizd  by  hearing  Mr.  Deane  utter  the  abuse 
against  America  and  France,  which  is  containd  in  his  intercepted 
Letters,  at  Dr.  F[ranklin]’s  table,  without  any  reprehension  from 
the  Doctor.  Under  all  there  suspicions,  Dr.  Franklin  is  appointed 
one  of  the  Commissioners  to  negociate  a peace,  because  France 
wills  it;  and  Congress  are  complaisant  enough  to  say  they  trust 
in  his  zeal  and  integrity.  God  forgive  them! 

1 In  Milton. 


172 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1782 


The  Fishery,  I am  afraid,  is  the  object  and  will  be  the  sacrifice 
of  this  appointment.  This  question  will  come  on  in  Congress,  and 
I think  your  ablest  members  shoud  be  here.  But  Instructions 
from  Congress  will  avail  little,  if  a corrupt  Commissioner  is 
entrusted  with  them,  who  certainly  never  meaning  to  return  to 
this  Country,  will  feel  himself  very  easy  about  our  reproaches, 
while  he  is  enjoying  in  France  the  reward  of  his  Treachery.  I 
know  from  what  passd  at  the  Treaties  we  concluded,  that  to 
monopolize  the  Fishery  is  the  object  of  France,  and  I am  most 
sure  that  Dr.  Franklin  will  be  the  instrument  of  effecting  it. 

The  Members  from  your  State,  and  from  Connecticut,  seem 
desirous  of  admitting  Vermont  into  the  Confederation;  but  it 
appears  very  doubtful,  whether  this  can  be  done  agreable  to  the 
Confederation  or  consistent  with  true  policy.  The  small  States, 
upon  this  precedent,  may  dismember  the  great  ones;  or  as  they 
have  an  equal  voice  in  proportioning  the  Quotas,  may  combine 
together  to  burthen  the  larger  States  with  the  whole  expence. 
To  acknowlege  their  independence  without  giving  them  a voice 
in  Congress  woud  answer  I conceive  every  purpose  of  attaching 
them  to  our  cause,  without  hazarding  our  union  by  admitting 
them  a Member  of  the  confederation. ...  1 

A.  Lee 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

[July,  1782.] 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  favor  of  the  1st  ult.  reachd  me  safely.  I am 
very  much  obligd  to  you  for  your  attention  to  me  both  as  to  the 
Paper  money  and  the  Grant.  It  is  not  a little  unfortunate  that 
the  person  so  fit  for  the  business  shoud  have  been  visited  with  so 
greivous  a disorder,  for  which  I am  very  sorry  as  well  on  his  ac- 
count as  my  own.  It  is  probable  that  times  of  more  safety  in  those 
parts  will  soon  happen,  for  I think  the  Enemy  can  hardly  con- 
tinue the  war  long,  and  all  parties  seem  disposd  to  peace. 

1 A letter  from  John  Adams  to  James  Warren,  June  17,  1782,  is  in  Writings  of  John 
Adams,  ix.  51 1. 


1782]  JVarren  -Adams  Letters  1 7 3 


I wish  it  were  in  my  power  to  give  you  any  comfort  as  to  the 
spirit  that  generally  prevails  in  this  Country.  It  seems  as  if 
patriotism  was  an  unnatural  feeling,  and  therefore  short-livd; 
while  prostitution  and  servility,  were  so  congenial  with  human 
nature,  that  they  revive  and  flourish  with  wonderful  rapidity. 

By  the  absolute  order  of  France,  Dr.  Franklin  and  Mr.  Jay 
were  joind  in  commission  with  Mr.  Adams  for  negociating  a 
Peace.  At  this  very  time  Congress  had  the  fullest  evidence  and 
conviction  that  Dr.  Franklin  was  both  a dishonest  and  incapable 
man.  Mr.  Laurens  and  Mr.  Jefferson  were  added,  but  the  first 
was  a prisoner,  and  the  latter  woud  not  go.  Mr.  Jay  has  with  a 
very  becoming  spirit  desird  to  be  left  out  of  a Commission,  which 
is  accompanied  with  Instructions  to  obey  ultimately  the  opinion 
of  the  french  Ministers.  This  he  states,  as  in  his  apprehension, 
so  humiliating  to  the  Commissioners,  so  disgraceful  and  injurious 
to  America  that  he  cannot  submit  to  it.  I have  movd  in  vain  for  a 
reconsideration  of  the  Instructions.  The  yoke  is  riveted  upon  us, 
and  the  Man  who  I am  sure  sold  us  in  the  negociation  with  France, 
is  the  sole  adjunct  with  Mr.  Adams,  in  a negociation  on  which 
every  thing  that  is  dear  and  honorable  to  us  depend.  He,  good 
man,  felt  no  qualms  at  such  a commission,  no  sense  of  dishonor  or 
injury  to  his  Country.  On  the  contrary  he  expressd  the  utmost 
alacrity  in  accepting  it,  and  I believe  most  cordially;  since  it  puts 
him  in  the  way  of  receiving  money,  which  is  the  God  of  his  Idol- 
atry. 

The  French,  therefore,  are  to  make  a peace  for  us;  we  have 
presumd  only  to  desire  Independance;  but  whether  it  shall  be  on 
secure  and  honorable  terms,  whether  by  the  stipulations  annexd 
to  it  we  shall  participate  in  the  Fishery,  in  the  navigation  of  the 
Missisippi,  [or]  in  the  western  territory,  whether  conditions  trench- 
ing nearer,  and  more  shamefully  on  our  rights  will  accompany  the 
naked  and  nugatory  assertion  of  Independance,  is  in  the  sovereign 
arbitration  of  the  french  Court.  To  judge  what  is  for  our  own 
interest,  to  instruct  our  Plenipotentiaries,  for  them  to  think  and 
act  for  us,  are  treason  against  the  Alliance,  by  which  we  were 
acknowledgd  independent  and  sovereign.  In  short,  the  most 
servile  display  of  the  most  servile  principles,  is  what  alone  must 


1 74 


JVarren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1782 


entitle  us  to  the  patronage  of  our  great  and  generous  Protector. 
This  was  not  the  sentiment,  or  language,  that  commenced  the 
revolution,  and  I can  pledge  myself  it  is  not  the  sentiment  or 
language  that  will  bring  it  to  a happy  issue.  But  there  seems  to 
be  no  public  here  to  appeal  to.  Sordid  pursuits  and  servile  attach- 
ments have  apparently  absorbd  all  the  Faculties  of  our  fellow 
Citizens.  In  the  last  resort,  I hope  the  jealousy  of  G.  Britain  and 
of  the  other  Powers  in  Europe  will  prevent  France  from  abusing 
the  power  which  we  have  thus  basely  and  imprudently  confided 
to  her. 

Spain  has  behavd  towards  us  with  very  little  wisdom  or  de- 
cency; but  it  is  much  to  be  suspected  that  the  French  are  at  the 
bottom  of  it;  insomuch  that  a well-informd  person  on  the  spot, 
writes  thus:  “I  have  many  reasons  for  believing  that  the  french 
Court  does  not  wish  to  see  us  declard  independent  by  other 
Nations,  lest  we  shoud  become  less  manageable  as  we  become  less 
dependent  on  her  for  support.”  I have  endeavord  to  inculcate 
this  truth  into  those  to  whom  it  woud  be  useful,  and  yet  they 
constantly  act  in  opposition  to  it. 

The  rapacity  of  a certain  person  after  power  and  profit,  and  the 
little  caution  or  wisdom  that  governs  appointments  are  the  rea- 
sons for  the  accumulation  of  Offices  in  an  unprincipled  and  sus- 
pected Individual.  The  distress  of  our  Finances  which  he  has  the 
art  of  colouring  high,  and  plentiful  promises  of  relief  from  his 
wonderful  abilities,  operate  like  a charm  upon  weak  minds. 

I beg  you  will  make  my  best  & most  respectful  wishes  acceptable 
to  Mrs.  Warren,  and  believe  [me]  always,  with  the  most  perfect 
esteem,  Dear  Sir,  your  most  sincere  friend. 

[iVb  signature.] 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

The  Hague,  2 July,  1782 

Dear  Sir, — It  is  a long  time  since  I had  a Line  from  you,  and 
from  Sickness,  and  various  Engagements  it  is  long  since  I had  the 
Pleasure  of  Writing  to  you.  I suppose  that  Milton  Hill,  furnishes 


1782]  ILarren -Adams  Letters  175 


you  with  Amusement  enough,  in  your  beloved  Science  and  Prac- 
tice of  Agriculture.  I wish  I had  Fortune  enough  to  purchase  me 
an  equal  Farm  upon  Pens  Hill,  and  enter  into  an  Emulation  with 
you,  which  should  make  his  Hill  shine  the  brightest.  I find  that 
the  various  Combinations  of  Street  Dust,  Marsh  Mud  and  Horse 
dung,  furnish  a more  delicate  Employment,  than  the  foul  Regions 
of  Machiavillian  Politicks,  but  when  Honest  Wisdom  tryumphs 
over  its  opposite,  as  is  sometimes  the  Case,  Politicks  themselves 
afford  an  exquisite  Entertainment,  to  a well  regulated  Mind. 

It  is  a Problem  at  present  whether  the  English  will  evacuate  N. 
York  and  Charlestown  or  not.  it  is  very  probable  they  would  if 
they  could,  but  how  to  get  away,  a great  Number  of  Transports 
must  be  had,  these  must  be  protected  by  a superior  Fleet.  If 
Pigot,  who  succeeds  Rodney  should  go  with  the  whole  Fleet,  the 
French  and  Spaniards  may  do  Mischief  in  the  West  Indies  in  the 
meantime. 

It  is  supposed,  that  Carleton  has  orders  to  make  Propositions 
to  Congress  but  what  can  they  be?  Reconciliation,  Seperate 
Peace,  even  upon  an  express  Acknowledgement  of  our  Independ- 
ence, can  never  be  thought  of.  We  must  keep  our  faith  and  not 
violate  our  Treaties,  it  is  whispered  too  that  the  Garrisons  of  N. 
York  and  Charlestown  are  to  be  removed  to  Rhode  Island,  which 
is  to  be  fortified  as  a Place  of  Arms,  etc.  This  Policy  is  beyond  my 
Comprehension.  There  is  but  one  sensible  System  for  the  English, 
and  it  is  amazing  to  me,  they  dont  see  it,  that  is  evacuate  the 
United  States  and  declare  them  by  an  Act  of  Parliament  inde- 
pendent. Then,  they  might  defend  themselves  better  against 
France  and  Spain  and  other  European  Powers,  would  wish  them 
success,  and  aid  them  by  Negotiation  to  obtain  more  favourable 
Terms  of  Peace.  But  the  present  British  Ministry  have  forced 
themselves  into  Power,  partly  by  decrying  the  Capacity  and 
Activity  of  the  old  Ministry  and  partly  by  Promises  to  the  King 
and  Nation  that  they  had  Address  enough  to  make  a seperate 
Peace  with  America  and  Holland.  Both  these  Professions  were 
false.  They  now  appear  to  be  so,  and  the  Ministry  know  not  what 
to  do. 

The  present  Ministry  therefore,  as  I conjecture  will  languish 


176 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


[1782 


away  the  time  undecided  what  to  do,  untill  they  become  as  un- 
popular as  the  past,  unless  the  Parliament  should  be  dissolved, 
and  a new  Election  should  give  them  a more  decided  Majority, 
ready  to  vote  for  American  Independence,  the  Principles  of  the 
Armed  Neutrality;  Fisheries  to  France  and  Spain,  Restitutions 
to  Holland,  Gibraltar  and  Minorca  to  Spain  & c & c & c. 

Thus  it  is  that  an  Empire  has,  in  a Frenzy,  committed  Suicide 
upon  itself,  almost  as  suddenly,  as  one  of  its  Individuals  could 
have  swallowed  a Pistol  Bullet. 

They  have  succeeded  in  propagating  a general  opinion  in 
Europe  that  Peace  will  be  soon  made,  and  that  their  Stocks  will 
rise  after  a Peace  which  opinions  have  actually  raised  them  before 
the  Peace,  5 or  6 Per  Cent,  by  foreigners  sending  over  considerable 
Sums  to  purchase  in.  if  the  Conferences  for  Peace  should  be 
broken  off,  the  Stocks  will  fall  again.  Both  sides  will  be  loth  to 
break  off : but  I really  dont  expect  that  any  thing  will  come  of  them 
this  year.  My  most  profound  Respects  to  your  good  Lady.  Adieu. 

[Ao  signature.] 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

The  Hague,  August  19,  1782 

My  dear  Sir,  — There  is  now  an  Harmony  so  entire  between 
France  America  and  Holland,  that  I think  Affairs  must  come  to  a 
good  Conclusion,  if  they  do  not  it  will  I am  perswaded  be  our 
Fault.  But  I am  determined  it  shall  not  be  mine,  and  I dont 
believe  it  will  be  Mr.  Jay’s. 

Spain  is  now  inclined  to  make  a Treaty  with  Us,  as  I am 
informed,  and  the  Comte  d’Aranda  is  authorized  to  treat  with  him 
at  Paris.  This  however,  must  not  be  made  publick  tho  it  may  be 
communicated  in  Confidence.  Mr.  Dana  seems  weary,  and  I dont 
wonder.  You  have  no  Conception  of  the  Torments  that  Mr.  Jay 
and  he  and  I have  endured. 

However  the  Foundations  of  great  Things  are  never  laid  without 
Patience  and  long  suffering. 

Shelburne  and  Fox  have  split  upon  a nice  Point  and  the  lat- 


1782]  JLarrcn -Adams  Letters  177 


ter  hass  hewn  himself  I think  a profound  Statesman:  the  later 
[former]  a selfish,  and  equivocal  Character.  He  must  come  finally 
and  with  an  ill  Grace  to  the  Idea  of  the  other,  or  he  will  put  the 
last  hand  to  the  ruin  of  that  Country. 

The  Plan  seems  to  be  now  to  agree  if  they  can  upon  some, 
Preliminaries  at  Paris  and  then  have  a Congress  to  settle  the 
Treaty,  after  discussing  every  Thing. 

If  Gibraltar  falls  and  the  English  have  no  signal  Sucess,  the 
national  Discouragement  will  increase,  so  as  to  force  a Peace  per- 
haps. if  they  relieve  Gibraltar,  which  will  be  very  hazardous,  if 
they  have  good  News  from  the  East  Indies,  and  especially  if  they 
have  any  naval  Advantages  they  will  struggle  for  another  Cam- 
paign or  two.  Naval  Victories  intoxicate  them  to  Frenzy.  But 
these  are  but  Drams  to  a Man  in  an  Hectick.  If  there  should  be 
serious  Negotiations  for  Peace,  We  shall  have  many  Ugly  Ques- 
tions to  debate.  I dont  intend  to  be  answerable  for  any  bad 
decision  of  them,  but  I cannot  answer  that  they  will  not  be  badly 
decided.  Canada,  Nova  Scotia,  Boundaries,  Tories,  Fisheries, 
are  Bones  to  pick.  But  the  Pretensions  of  France,  Spain  and 
Holland  will  not  be  more  easily  adjusted,  nor  the  Pretensions  of 
Neutrals,  in  short  the  Field  is  so  vast,  and  the  objects  of  such 
Magnitude,  that  the  first  Glance  of  the  Eye  affrightens  one,  but  I 
have  looked  at  it  so  long  that  it  has  lost  its  Terror  to  me.  Why 
should  one  be  anxious,  it  is  easy  for  a Man  to  do  his  Duty.  He 
always  has  this  in  his  Power  and  this  is  as  much  as  he  ought  to 
have. 

I hope  Mrs.  Warren  will  give  my  Dutch  Negotiation  a Place  in 
her  History,  it  is  one  of  the  most  extraordinary,  in  all  the  diplo- 
matic Records.  But  it  has  succeeded  to  a Marvel.  Adieu.1 

[No  signature.] 

1 A letter  from  John  Adams  to  James  Warren,  September  6,  1782,  is  in  Writings  of 
John  Adams,  ix.  513. 


Warren  -Adams  Letters  [1782 


178 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Octr.  7th,  1782 

My  dear  Sir,  — Your  Letters  of  the  17th  June  and  2d  of  July 
have  given  me  great  pleasure,  perhaps  more,  because  they  were 
unexpected.  A Spirit  of  Jealousy,  founded  on  a long  Intermission, 
had  made  me  suppose  you  had  totally  forgot  me,  and  never  in- 
tended again  to  write  a single  Line.  I hope  the  reasons  you  give 
for  so  long  silence  are  by  the  fine  Air  of  The  Hague  and  by  Exer- 
cise removed  and  that  I shall  again  frequently  hear  from  you  in 
this  way.  one  thing  you  may  be  assured  of,  that  you  cannot  write 
to  a more  sincere  and  determined  Friend.  I like  my  new  Allies  the 
Dutch  very  well,  and  when  my  Imagination  roves  into  futurity, 
and  speculates  and  combines,  I can  suppose  they  may  do  us  as 
much  real  service  as  some  others,  and  from  Motives  quite  as  dis- 
interested; and  I like  the  Alliance  perhaps  the  better  because  it 
has  been  formed  by  an  Independent  Statesman  in  spite  of  the 
false  politics  of  his  own  Country  and  the  designing  politics  of 
others,  and  I trust  he  will  be  regarded  even  by  the  present  Gen- 
eration, in  spite  of  the  rascally  Venality  or  Envy  of  those  who 
from  their  Exalted  Stations  have  a greater  Opportunity  of  doing 
him  Justice.  But,  my  Friend,  the  divine  Science  of  Politics  is 
composed  of  the  same  Materials  here  as  in  Europe,  there  is, 
indeed,  something  exceedingly  singular  in  your  Country.  None 
ever  ran  with  more  rapid  strides  or  was  more  distinguished  by  its 
virtue  and  public  spirit,  and  no  Country  ever  Catched  the  Vices  of 
others  and  degenerated  so  fast.  I will  not  prevent  your  singing  or 
laughing  by  Attempting  a description  or  saying  more  on  this 
Subject.  I wish  for  Peace,  but  what  kind  of  one  must  we  have  had, 
if  it  had  been  made  this  Year?  I wish  to  see  you  return  to  our 
Hills.  I shall  certainly  take  pleasure  in  roving  with  you  among 
the  Partridges,  Squirrels,  etc.,  and  will  even  venture  upon  an 
Emulation  with  you  which  shall  make  his  Hill  shine  the  brightest, 
tho’  I conceive  I should  fail  in  the  Attempt.  I expect,  notwith- 
standing all  your  great  Engagement  and  the  great  Game  you  have 
to  Play,  the  Splendor  of  Courts  and  the  Entertainments  of  Princes 
and  Princesses,  that  you  will  bring  with  you  great  Improvements 


1782] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 79 


in  the  delightful  Science  of  Husbandry,  do  ascertain  what  Marie 
is  that  we  may  know  whether  we  have  it  here  or  not.  I can  tell  you 
no  news  but  what  you  will  have  more  directly  from  other  hands, 
they  may  tell  you  how  our  Constitution  operates  in  practice,  how 
our  Executive  support  their  dignity  and  how  our  Legislature 
preserve  their  Independence.  I am  quite  a private  Man,  a distant 
Spectator  that  sees  but  little,  enough,  however,  to  feel  some  dis- 
gust, detestation  and  Contempt.  The  Papers  will  shew  you  in 
what  manner  Mr.  Temple  is  persecuted  here  and  his  defence, 
this  matter  has  formed  Considerable  Parties  and  I think  Temple 
gains  Ground  fast.  I need  not  tell  you  that  your  Family  are  well. 
You  will  undoubtedly  hear  from  them  by  this  Opportunity.  I am 
your  Friend. 

[No  signature .] 

The  Muse,  Mrs.  W.,  wishes  you  Health  and  Happiness.  I beg 
your  Care  of  the  Inclosed,  it  contains  one  for  my  Son,  I wish  to  go 
safely,  and  am  told  there  is  no  dependence  on  the  common  Post 
form  Amsterdam  to  France. 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  October  24th,  1782 

Sir, — Many  Months  have  Elapsed  and  many  Great  Events 
have  taken  place  since  I took  up  my  pen  to  address  you,  among 
which  few  are  more  important  to  this  Country  than  the  Dutch 
Negotiation,  and  perhaps  None  have  been  attended  with  Greater 
Difficulties  and  none  more  Replete  with  Honour  to  the  prime 
actors  than  this.  Yet  I should  not  have  Ventured  to  pass  my 
Censure  on  its  opposers,  or  to  Give  sanction  to  the  Measure  by  a 
full  approbation  of  the  spirit  and  Dignity  which  has  brought  it  to 
a Completion,  had  I not  been  repeatedly  called  upon  in  the  late 
Letters  to  your  Friend,  a Friend  who,  though  now  a private 
Gentleman,  is  not  less  Attentive  to  the  Interest  of  the  public,  nor 
less  Attached  to  the  Minister  at  the  Hague  than  when  you  both, 
stimulated  by  the  Noblest  Motives,  of  patriotism,  and  bound  by 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


[1782 


180 


the  strong  ties  of  Mutual  Friendship,  Nursed  the  Embrio  of  oppo- 
sition, Discussed  the  Nature  of  Government  and  Formed  the 
plans  of  Revolution  by  the  social  Fire  side  at  Plimouth.  But  the 
Enthusiasm  of  Poetry  has  Languished  under  the  hand  of  Time: 
and  the  Muse  Grown  too  timid  amidst  the  Noise  of  War  to  at- 
tempt an  Elogium  on  the  Virtues  of  patience,  perseverance  and 
patriotism,  Though  the  sterling  Worth  of  those  Capital  Virtues 
have  been  tryed  in  the  Fiery  Furnace  of  Intrigue,  Deception  and 
ingratitude. 

But  the  Historian  must  be  very  Negligent  of  Fame  who  is  not 
ambitious  that  all  the  Extraordinary  Transactions  in  the  Diplo- 
matic system  should  stand  Conspicuous  in  his  Work.  But  when 
the  poignancy  of  sarcasm  is  strongly  felt  by  the  too  susceptable 
Hearts,  some  little  thirst  of  revenge  will  arise  in  the  most  Good 
Naturd  of  the  Human  Race,  nor  is  any  office  so  illustrious,  or 
any  character  so  sacred,  but  he  must  submit  if  he  provokes  the 
threatenings  Even  to  the  Menaces  of  a Woman.  He  will  not  find 
himself  secure  though  hid  in  the  pallaces  of  princes,  or  shielded  by 
the  stronger  Bulwark  of  his  own  integrity,  therefore  Depend  upon 
it  a Blank  shall  be  left  in  Certain  annals  for  your  Dutch  Negotia- 
tion,, unless  you  Condescend  to  furnish  with  your  own  Hand  a few 
more  Authentic  Documents  to  Adorn  the  Interesting  Page. 

If  the  Refinements  of  the  European  World  has  Wrought  the 
Divine  science  of  Politics  into  a Mechanical  system,  composed  of 
all  the  Foperies  of  Life,  be  assured,  sir,  America  is  not  a Century 
behind  them  in  Taste.  You  will  not  therefore  be  surprized  when 
told  that  the  test  of  Merit  is  Wealth:  And  that  every  thing  which 
is  Lucrative  is  Honorable  in  this  Country.  But  as  Mankind  in  all 
ages  are  governed  Less  by  Reason  than  Opinion,  it  may  again 
become  Fashionable  to  be  Virtuous  and  the  Man  be  more  Re- 
spected for  the  Probaty  of  his  Heart  than  for  the  Trapings  of  his 
Horses.  But  as  the  Morals  of  a people  Depend  more  on  the 
Genius  of  their  Rulers  than  the  Mode  of  Government,  the  leading 
Characters  among  us  do  not  at  present  promise  such  a Happy 
Revolution  in  Manners.  And  so  little  prospect  of  success  is  there 
to  the  struggles  of  the  uncorrupted  few,  that  I do  not  find  myself 
quite  willing  your  much  estemed  Friend,  Mr.  Warren,  who  has 


1782] 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


181 


but  just  retired  from  the  public  Walks  (sickened  by  the  servility 
and  weakness  of  Man  and  wearied  with  the  unremiting  Vigalence 
of  Near  twenty  years  in  the  Field  of  Politics)  should  again  return 
to  the  Embarased  scene.  Yet  Convinced  of  the  Necessity  of  send- 
ing our  best  men  to  Congress,  and  knowing  you  deem  it  a point  of 
the  utmost  importance,  I dare  not  urge  my  Arguments  against  his 
repairing  to  Philadelphia  to  you.  Were  it  prudent  to  transmit 
them  beyond  the  Atlantic,  some  of  them  you  would  Acknowledge 
Weighty.  Others  you  might  place  to  the  score  of  Female  Timidity, 
Delicacy,  or  perhaps  Pride. 

What  a Many  Headed  Monster  is  a Republic  grafted  on  the 
Principles  of  Despotism.  Nor  is  a sovereign  without  a Crown  a 
Less  Dangerous  Annimal  than  the  Monarch  whose  Brow  is 
Graced  with  the  splendor  of  a Diadem. 

If  any  Expression  in  this  appears  like  a Decay  of  public  spirit 
in  the  Wane  of  Life,  a Line  from  your  pen  might  Revive  the 
Languid  torper,  though  not  as  the  Rescript  of  a Minister  but  as 
the  Admonishion  of  a Friend.  . . . 

As  I have  touched  on  the  Domestic  feelings,  to  which  you  are 
not  insensible,  I shall  Mention  a son,  Dear  to  his  parents  and 
amiable  in  the  Eyes  of  a Friend,  has  any  part  of  his  Conduct 
since  in  Europe  rendered  him  unworthy , that  Mr.  Adams  has  Never 
once  Named  him  in  his  long  absence,  if  he  has,  your  tenderness 
will  still  impose  silence;  if  not,  the  Fluttering  Hopes  of  a Mother 
will  be  strengthened  in  your  Next  Letter  to  one  who  subscribes 
with  much  Respect  and  unabating  Esteem  Your  assured  Friend 
and  humble  servant 

M.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Nov.  i,  1782 

My  dear  Sir,  — I made  my  acknowledgments  of  the  receipt 
of  your  favors  of  June  17  and  July  the  2d  by  Capt.  Grinnall,  who 
sailed  for  Amsterdam  about  a fortnight  ago.  Since  which  I have 
the  pleasure  of  yours  of  August  19th  with  the  Inclosed  Pamphlet, 


barren -Adams  Letters 


[1782 


182 


conveying  a State  of  the  origin  and  progress  of  the  Treaty  with 
Holland,  an  Event  which  will  make  a figure  in  History  in  Propor- 
tion to  its  Importance,  when  Justice  will  be  done  to  the  Integrity 
and  Ability,  the  Zeal  and  Perseverance  of  him  who  negotiated  it. 
All  the  Honest  part  of  America  do  that  now  equal  to  his  wishes; 
but  there  are  others,  and  some  of  them  in  high  Stations  and  great 
Confidence,  who  have  been  stunned  and  mortified  at  this  Success, 
some  of  them,  perhaps,  Influenced  by  Envy  and  some  by  Interest, 
but  you  know  all  about  it.  I need  not  tell  you  that  Foreigners  of 
high  rank  and  character  would  not  believe  it  possible.  That  the 
mighty  of  this  part  of  the  Globe  condemned  the  measures  taken 
to  effect  it,  and  at  last  believed  the  accounts  of  the  success  of  them 
with  reluctance.  I wish  I could  know  your  Ideas  of  our  present 
domestic  Situation;  of  men  vested  with  Imperial  powers  and, 
what  is  as  bad,  furnished  with  sources  of  Corruption  equal  to  a 
King  of  Britain;  of  the  Sagacity  of  that  Congress  which  has  found 
Abilities  and  Integrity  where  the  Congress  in  1775  and  ’76,  etc., 
would  never  have  suspected  they  were  to  be  found,  but  I quit  a 
subject  I hate  to  reflect  upon.  I have  conceived  a great  Opinion 
of  Mr.  Jay.  he  has  conducted,  if  I am  well  informed,  with  great 
dignity.  I dont  believe  it  will  be  your  fault  or  his  if  matters  do 
not  conclude  well,  if  I was  to  give  you  two  Instructions,  they 
should  be  very  discretionary.  I have  some  Conception  what  you 
and  he  and  Mr.  Dana  have  endured.  I dont  wonder  if  you  are  all 
weary.  The  Good  Dr.  is  now  appointed  to  negotiate  with  Sweden, 
no  doubt  he  will  succeed  and  add  a new  Plume  to  his  Cap. 

I wish  Mr.  Jay  may  make  an  advantageous  Treaty  with  Spain, 
it  will  be  no  unfavorable  Circumstance  to  have  it  done  at  Paris 
instead  of  Madrid,  or  any  other  place,  or  places  where  he  has 
danced  attendance  on  that  Court.  Great  Expectations  and  fears 
are  formed  here  upon  the  fate  of  Gibraltar,  if  it  falls,  we  expect  a 
Peace,  if  it  does  not,  we  expect  at  least  another  Campaign,  but  I 
hope  we  shall  be  prepared  for  either. 

You  have,  indeed,  a large  Field  before  you.  The  Questions  to 
be  decided  are  numerous  and  Important,  quite  enough  so  without 
descending  to  the  Trifling  Consideration  of  the  Tories;  and  can  it 
be  possible  at  this  Time  of  day  that  the  British  Cabinet  should 


1782]  JVarren -Adams  Letters  183 


interest  themselves  in  their  favor,  what  would  they  do  for  them, 
surely  they  would  not  wish  them  to  have  Neponset  Hill,  they 
deserve  Nothing,  but  if  they  must  have  anything,  they  can 
expect  no  more  than  the  Money  their  Estates  sold  for,  out  of  the 
respective  Treasurys  where  it  is  lodged,  and  that  I hope  is  more 
than  they  will  ever  get,  at  least  till  Britain  pays  for  all  the  devas- 
tations made  on  the  Estates  of  honest  Men.  Mrs.  W.  writes  you 
by  this  Opportunity.  Great  Events  must  find  a place  in  her 
History,  especially  when  Impartiality  and  Friendship  combine 
to  Insert  them.  That  you  may  enjoy  Health  and  Happiness  is  the 
Prayer  of  your  Friend 

J.  W. 

Not  a Word  about  the  dear  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts]. 

Yes.  The  first  Magistrate  is ; the  Executive  Council  is . 

The  Legislature  is  in  the  Usual  Stile,  sometimes  making  wise  Laws 
and  sometimes  not;  however,  constantly  making  New,  or  repealing 
old  ones.  The  present  Members  of  Congress  elected  are,  Gerry, 
Osgood,  S.  Higginson,  Gorham,  Holton  and  J.  W.  I believe  the 
last  must  stay  at  Home  and  cultivate  his  Farm. 

Nov.  24th.  The  preceeding  Letter  was  designed  to  go  by  the 
Firebrand,  who  slipd  away  unexpectedly  and  left  that  and  many 
others  for  you  behind.  Other  owners  might  have  been  complai- 
sant enough  at  least  to  have  taken  Mrs.  Adams’,  but  even  Fortune 
cannot  change  the  Spots  of  the  Beast,  or  alter  the  Skin  of  the 
Ethiopian,  since  she  saild  nothing  worthy  your  Notice  has  taken 
place.  The  French  Fleet  are  still  here  and  not  quite  ready  for 
Sea.  The  French  Army  is  expected  soon,  in  order  to  embark  on 
Board  the  Fleet.  Mr.  Gorham  and  Dr.  Holton  set  out  for  Con- 
gress in  a few  days.  I suppose  Higginson  will  refuse  and  I am 
uncertain  whether  Gerry  will  go. 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


[1782 


1 84 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

In  Congress,  Deer.  12th,  1782 

Dear  Sir,  — I enclose  you  three  Newspapers  containing  the 
Essays  of  Lucius,  Valerius  and  Bellesarius  which  deserve  your 
perusal  and  being  represented  in  your  Papers.  Barney  is  arrivd 
with  Dispatches.  He  left  L’Orient  the  17  Jany.  He  keeps  strict 
silence  and  none  of  his  Crew  are  allowd  to  come  on  shore.  The 
Letters  were  all  carried  to  Mr.  Morris,  from  whom  Congress  have 
not  yet  receivd  any  intelligence.  When  his  speculations  are  set- 
tled we  shall  be  favord  with  the  news.  All  these  restraints  upon 
public  information  and  the  engrossing  all  the  Letters,  are  by  his 
own  orders,  Congress  knowing  nothing  of  it;  and  I verily  believe 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  speculation.  I was  persuaded  when  his 
friends  proposd  the  purchasing  Barney’s  vessel  and  dispatching 
her  under  his  direction,  that  it  was  for  the  same  purpose.  Thro’ 
the  whole  war  he  has  made  his  public  trust  subservient  to  his 
private  Speculation,  and  has  thereby  become  as  rich  as  a Jew. 

You  wish  to  have  some  observations  on  the  manners  of  this 
place.  They  are  as  little  worthy  of  panygeric  as  an  awkward  imi- 
tation of  the  French  can  make  them.  Broke  suddenly  loose  from 
the  simplicity  of  quaker  manners,  dress  and  fashions  and  affecting 
the  vanity,  and  nonsense,  if  nothing  worse,  of  french  parade,  you 
may  conceive  they  are  more  fit  subjects  of  ridicule  than  of  admira- 
tion. Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Bingham,1  Mr.  Ross,2  and  others,  who  have 
made  large  fortunes  during  this  war,  employ  their  wealth  in  a 
manner  not  very  consistent  with  that  unostentatious  virtue  which 
ought  to  animate  our  Infant  republic.  Extravagance,  ostentation 
and  dissipation  distinguish  what  are  calld  the  Ladies  of  the  first 
rank.  There  are  however  exceptions,  there  being  prudent,  ami- 
able and  worthy  persons  of  both  Sexes.  But  the  generality  seem 
to  be  intoxicated  with  a sudden  change  of  manners  and  unex- 
pected elevation. 

I had  not  time  to  finish  this  Letter,  being  occupyd  by  attending 
to  the  Dispatches.  The  preliminary  Articles  are  well  enough,  but 
being  conditiond  on  the  conclusion  of  Peace  with  France,  which 
1 William  Bingham  (1751-1804).  2 John  Ross  (1726-1800). 


1782]  IVarren -Adams  Letters  185 


seems  to  me  not  probable  this  year;  we  still  remain  dependent  on 
the  issue  of  this  Campaign  at  least,  which  if  very  successful  on 
the  part  of  the  Enemy  may  make  them  retract  these  conditions, 
and  if  ever  so  prosperous  on  the  part  of  our  Ally,  we  cannot  hope 
for  any  thing  better,  as  the  latter  seems  more  averse  to  our  par- 
ticipation in  the  Fishery,  and  our  possessing  the  western  Country, 
than  the  English  themselves  are.  We  are  placd  in  this  uncomfort- 
able situation,  by  the  ambition  of  our  Ally,  And  by  the  obliga- 
tion our  Alliance  is  supposd  to  have  imposd  upon  us  not  to  make 
Peace  without  their  concurrence.  My  latest  Letters  give  the  most 
sanguine  expectations  of  speedy  peace.  But  from  reasoning  on  all 
circumstances  it  appears  to  me  at  least  very  doubtful.  I wish 
most  sincerely  that  peace  may  take  place,  and  give  us  an  oppor- 
tunity of  arranging  our  governments  and  Finances  and  of  paying 
our  Debts. 

I receivd  the  two  Joes  you  was  so  good  as  to  send  me  for  inter- 
est; and  am  very  much  obligd  to  you  for  your  attention  to  my 
Affairs.  When  peace  will  permit  the  travelling  in  the  extreme 
parts  of  your  State,  and  I am  freed  from  Congress,  I shall  revisit 
you,  and  take  a view  of  the  Country  where  the  grant  to  me  may 
be  located.  In  the  mean  time  I trust  to  your  goodness  and  care 
to  have  the  location  made  as  advantageously  as  possible. 

Mr.  J.  Adams  is  so  persuaded,  that  Peace  is  settled  that  he  has 
desird  leave  to  resign  and  return  home.  I am  not  of  opinion  that 
we  can  spare  him  yet.  He  and  Mr.  Jay  have  acted  a spirited,  in- 
dependent, and  therefore,  in  my  judgment,  a most  laudable  part; 
and  will  be  necessary  in  Europe  to  counteract  the  treachery  of 
old  Franklin.  I had  drawn  up  a vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Adams 
for  the  extraordinary  Services  he  has  renderd  us  in  Holland; 
but  upon  sounding  I found  the  jealousy  which  Dr.  F’s  friends, 
after  his  example,  entertain  of  any  approbation  bestowd  upon 
another,  being  a censure  upon  him  woud  render  the  passage  of 
it  doubtful.  It  was  therefore  thought  more  prudent  not  to  move 
it.  There  never  I think  existed  a man  more  meanly  envious  and 
selfish  than  Dr.  Franklin.  The  reason  probably  why  it  is  not 
seen  so  as  to  make  men  dispise  him  is,  that  men  in  general  listen 
much  to  professions,  and  look  little  to  actions. 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


[1782 


186 


Air.  Adams  has  mentiond  one  mark  of  his  tricking  and  selfish 
disposition.  He  obtaind  a promise  from  Mr.  Jay  when  at  Madrid, 
to  give  his  voice  for  appointing  his  Grandson  W.  T.  Franklin,  a 
young  insignificant  Boy  as  any  in  existence,  to  be  Secretary  to  the 
Embassy  for  making  Peace,  who  ought  to  be  a person  of  consum- 
mate prudence,  ability  and  worth.  Upon  this  he  appoints  him  to 
that  office  without  consulting  the  other  Commissioners.  Thus 
while  Govr.  Franklin  is  planning  our  destruction  in  London,  his 
father  and  Son,  are  entrusted  with  all  our  Secrets  in  Paris.  If 
it  shoud  be  said  that  the  establishd  character  of  the  old  man 
will  justify  such  a confidence;  the  same  cannot  be  urged  in  favor 
of  the  young  one,  who  is  yet  to  be  tried  and  has  no  character 
at  all. 

I enclose  you  a Paper  containing  the  preliminary  Articles. 
With  the  most  cordial  remembrance  of  Mrs.  Warren’s  politeness 
and  very  agreable  conversation,  I beg  you  will  present  to  her  my 
best  respects.  My  Nephew  T.  Shippen  is  equally  pleasd  with 
the  Society  at  Milton  and  desires  his  respects.  Farewell. 

A.  Lee 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Paris,  Deer.  15,  1782 

Dear  Sir,  — This  goes  with  the  Preliminary  Treaty  between 
the  Crown  of  G.  Britain  and  the  United  States  of  America,  it  is 
not  to  be  in  force  untill  France  and  Great  Britain  shall  agree  and 
sign.  When  this  will  be  is  not  yet  known,  it  is  supposd  that  the 
principal  Points  remaining  are  Spanish  or  Dutch. 

The  great  Interests  of  our  Country  in  the  West  and  in  the  East 
are  secured,  as  well  as  her  Independence.  St  Croix  is  the  Bound- 
ary against  Nova  Scotia.  The  Fisheries  are  very  safe,  the  Mis- 
sisippi  and  Western  Lands  to  the  middle  of  the  great  Lakes,  are 
as  well  secured  to  Us  as  they  could  be  by  England.  All  these 
Advantages  would  not  have  been  obtained  if  we  had  litterally  pur- 
sued our  Instructions,  the  Necessity  of  departing  from  which  in 
some  degree  will  I hope  be  our  Excuse. 


1782] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


187 


The  King  of  Sweden  1 is  the  first  Power  in  Europe  who  has 
invited  Us  to  an  alliance,  the  Commissioners  are  arrived  here,  and 
the  Treaty  will  be  soon  made.  The  other  neutral  Powers  may 
possibly  acknowledge  our  Independence  all  together,  it  is  pos- 
sible, that  England  herself  may  advise  it,  but  this  is  no  more  than 
Conjecture.  The  K.  of  Sweden  has  inserted  in  his  Commission 
an  handsome  Compliment  to  Us,  says  that  he  had  a great  desire 
to  form  a Connection  with  a People  who  had  so  well  established 
their  Independence,  and  by  their  Wisdom  and  Bravery  so  well  de- 
served it. 

England  has  been  wise  to  be  the  third  Power  in  Europe  to 
acknowledge  Us.  Is  it  my  Vanity  which  makes  me  believe  that 
the  Dutch  Negotiation  has  wrought  this  mighty  Reverse,  and 
carried  Us  tryumphantly  to  the  End  of  all  our  Wishes?  without 
this,  the  War  would  have  continued  for  years,  and  the  House  of 
Bourbon  so  pressed  for  Peace  and  We  so  dependent  on  them  that 
We  should  have  lost  the  Western  Country  and  the  Fisheries  and 
very  probably  been  left  in  a Truce,  in  a state  of  Poverty  and  Weak- 
ness, which  would  have  made  Us  long  the  miserable  Satellites  of 
some  great  European  Planet. 

It  is  the  Providence  of  God,  not  the  good  Will  of  England  of 
France,  nor  yet  the  Wisdom  and  Firmness  of  Congress  that  has 
done  this.  To  that  Providence  let  Us  with  humble  Gratitude  and 
Adoration  ascribe  it.  Without  making  an  Ostentation  of  Piety 
upon  the  Occasion  however,  let  us  turn  our  Thoughts  to  what  is 
future. 

The  Union  of  the  States,  an  affectionate  Respect  and  Attach- 
ment among  all  their  Members,  the  Education  of  the  rising  Gener- 
ation, the  Formation  of  a national  System  of  Oeconomy  Policy, 
and  Manners  are  the  great  Concerns  which  still  lye  before  us. 
We  must  guard  as  much  as  Prudence  will  permit  against  the  Con- 
tagion of  European  Manners,  and  that  excessive  Influx  of  Com- 
merce Luxury  and  Inhabitants  from  abroad,  which  will  soon 
embarrass  Us.  with  great  Esteem,  your  Friend, 


1 Gustavus  III. 


[Ao  signature.] 


1 88 


barren -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Paris,  January  29,  1783 

Madam, — Your  Favour  of  the  25  of  October  never  reached  me 
till  to  day,  but  it  has  given  me  great  Pleasure  as  your  Letters  al- 
ways do.  I was  disappointed  however  in  finding  no  Line  from 
Mr.  Warren  except  the  Superscription  of  yours. 

I assure  you,  Madam,  what  I said  about  certain  Annals  was  no 
Sarcasm.  I have  the  utmost  Veneration  for  them,  although  I 
never  was  honoured  with  a Sight  of  any  of  them.  Let  me  intreat 
you  not  to  reserve  any  Place  in  them  for  the  Dutch  Negotiation, 
if  you  intend  to  celebrate  my  Patience,  of  all  Virtues  or  Qualities 
I hate  most  to  be  praised  for  my  Patience.  I had  rather  you  should 
immortalize  my  Impudence,  for  I rather  think  it  was  this  quality, 
than  the  other  which  produced  the  Effect  in  Holland.  I entered 
into  the  Seven  United  Provinces  with  as  much  Impudence,  as  I 
should  have  appeared  in  the  13  United  States  of  America.  As 
Johnny  Morehead  1 said  to  Mr.  Bollan,2  “Mr.  Such  an  one  used, 
Sir,  to  come  into  my  House  with  as  much  Impudence,  as  you 
would  come  into  your  own.”  If  the  word  shocks  you,  Madam,  call 
it  modest  Assurance,  or  honest  Boldness,  or  almost  what  you  will 
except  Patience. 

The  Times,  Madam  have  made  a Strange  Being  of  me.  I shall 
appear  a Domestic  Animal,  never  at  home,  a bashfull  Creature, 
braving  the  Fronts  of  the  greatest  ones  of  the  Earth,  a timid  Man, 
venturing  on  a long  Series  of  the  greatest  dangers,  an  irritable 
fiery  Mortal,  enduring  every  Provocation  and  Disgust,  a delicate 
Valetudinarian  bearing  the  greatest  Hardships,  an  humble  Farmer, 
dispising  Pomp  Shew  Power  and  Wealth,  as  profuse  as  a Prodigal 
and  as  proud  as  Caesar  — But  an  honest  Man  in  all  and  to  the 
Death. 

Alas!  who  would  wish  for  such  a Character!  Who  would  wish  to 
live  in  Times  and  Circumstances  when  to  be  an  honest  Man,  one 
must  be  all  the  rest?  Not  I.  it  can  never  be  the  Duty  of  one  Man 

1 Rev.  John  Morehead,  a native  of  Belfast,  Ireland,  and  pastor  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  Long  Lane,  now  Federal  Street,  from  1730  to  his  death  in  1773-  He  was  of  a 
quick  temper. 

2 William  Bollan  (1740-1774 ?). 


1783] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


189 


to  be  concerned  in  more  than  one  Revolution,  and  therefore  I will 
never  have  any  Thing  to  do  with  another. 

But  to  be  more  to  the  Purpose.  I sincerely  hope  my  Friend  Mr. 
Warren  will  go  to  Congress.  I am  astonished  to  learn  that  at  a 
Time  when  a large  Portion  of  the  Massachusetts  was  at  Stake  and 
in  question,  and  all  their  Fisheries  there  should  be,  but  one  Mem- 
ber attending  the  Great  Wheel  from  that  State.1 

The  Reflection,  Mrs.  Warren,  that  we  are  now  at  Peace  after 
the  Contests  of  one  and  twenty  years,  which  you  and  I have  been 
witnesses  of,  is  sweet  indeed.  Those  Qualities  which  through  the 
Course  of  that  Period  have  attracted  the  Attention  and  Confi- 
dence of  the  People,  will  now  be  little  regarded.  Content.  They 
have  answered  their  End,  and  may  now  be  laid  aside.  Yet  it  is  too 
soon  for  Mr.  Warren  or  me  to  retire.  Stability  and  Dignity  must 
be  given  to  the  Laws,  or  our  Labours  have  all  been  in  vain  and  the 
old  Hands  must  do  this  or  it  will  not  be  done. 

I hope  to  have  the  Pleasure  of  renewing  old  Acquaintances  e’er 
long,  and  of  being  no  stranger  at  the  Blue  Hills. 

There  is  but  one  Case  in  which  it  is  possible  that  I should  stay  in 
Europe  another  year,  and  that  is  that  Congress  should  renew  the 
Commission  with  which  I came  out  to  make  a Treaty  of  Commerce 
with  Great  Britain,  in  that  Case  I should  hope  my  Dr.  Mrs. 
Adams  would  come  to  me.  But  there  is  not  I think  the  least 
Probability  of  that,  nor  indeed  do  I desire  it.  The  first  and  strong- 
est Wish  of  my  Heart  is  to  go  home  to  my  Family.  But  in  all 
Events  The  Mountain  shall  come  to  Mahomet  or  Mahomet  shall 
go  to  the  Mountain.  My  Family  shall  come  to  me  or  I will  go  to 
them.  With  the  greatest  Esteem  and  Respect,  Madam,  I have  the 
Honour  to  be,  your  Frnd.  and  Sert. 

John  Adams 

1 A paragraph  has  here  been  struck  out,  but  in  the  Letter  Book  is  left  untouched. 
It  read  as  follows:  “I  have  never  had  an  Opportunity,  Madam,  to  see  your  Son  since  he  has 
been  in  Europe,  but  once  or  twice  at  Amsterdam,  and  that  before  I had  a House  there. 
He  has  been  travelling  from  Place  to  Place;  and  altho’  I have  often  enquired  after  him,  I 
have  seldom  been  able  to  hear  of  him.  I have  heard  nothing  to  his  disadvantage,  except  a 
Shyness  and  Secrecy  which,  as  it  is  uncommon  in  young  Gentlemen  of  his  Age  and  Educa- 
tion, is  the  more  remarked,  and  a general  Reputation  which  he  brought  with  him  from 
Boston  of  loving  Play.  But  I have  not  been  able  to  learn  that  he  has  indulged  it  improperly 
in  Europe.  But  my  Advice  to  him  and  every  young  American  is  and  uniformly  will  be  to 
stay  in  Europe  but  a little  while.” 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


1 90 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

In  Congress,  Feby.  19th,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — Since  I wrote  to  request  you  to  send  me  a Certi- 
fyd  Copy  of  the  Resolve  of  the  Assembly  for  granting  me  6 00 
Acres  of  Land;  Mr.  Gorham  tells  me  that  it  has.  expird,  and  he 
believes  was  renewd.  Whether  it  has  or  not,  I still  beg  that  I may 
have  a Copy  of  the  first  resolution,  for  it  is  that  I want.  If  how- 
ever it  shoud  have  expird,  you  will  permit  me  to  beg  your  atten- 
tion to  having  it  renewd  upon  the  best  terms  which  your  knowl- 
edge of  the  subject  may  suggest. 

I cannot  but  hope  that  Peace  is  near,  and  yet  it  seems  ex- 
traordinary that  neither  Congress,  the  french  Minister,  nor  Genl. 
Carleton  has  any  intelligence  on  the  subject.  As  to  the  neglect 
with  which  Congress  is  treated,  that  is  neither  new  nor  undeservd; 
but  that  all  other  sources  of  official  intelligence  upon  a matter  so 
very  interesting  and  important,  shoud  be  equally  dry,  is  aston- 
ishing. 

The  mode  of  settling  the  Quotas  of  the  States,  and  of  establish- 
ing funds  for  the  payment  of  our  debts  are  questions  now  before 
Congress.  I wish  we  had  your  assistance  in  discussing  them.  The 
Confederation  is  a stumbling  block  to  those  who  wish  to  introduce 
new,  and  I think  arbitrary  systems.  The  vanity  of  being  wiser 
than  others,  and  of  being  able  to  amend  whatever  is  already  done, 
enlists  many  under  this  banner,  who  do  not  mean  any  thing  undue. 
But  these  Dispositions  are  often  moulded  to  their  measures  by 
artful  men,  and  others  without  intending  it,  are  made  to  minister 
to  their  pernicious  purposes.  . . . 

Arthur  Lee 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 
Confidential.  Paris,  March  20th,  1783 

Sir,  — I was  in  hopes  that  the  Peace  would  have  put  Us  at  ease, 
but  it  has  not  as  yet  much  diminished  our  Anxiety.  The  long 
interval,  in  which  we  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  any  Intelligence 


1783] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


191 


from  America,  either  by  the  way  of  Spain,  France,  Holland  or 
England  — the  unsettled  State  of  Parties  and  Councils  in  London, 
where  there  has  been  no  responsible  Minister  this  fortnight  at 
least  — the  delay  of  the  definitive  Treaty,  which  it  is  now  given 
out  will  not  be  signed  for  some  time,  as  there  is  to  be  a Congress 
and  a Mediation  here  — and  many  other  Causes,  leave  us  in  a 
painful  state  of  Suspence  and  Solicitude. 

The  Revocation  of  the  Commission  to  make  a Treaty  of  Com- 
merce with  Great  Britain,1  without  issuing  another,  appears  in 
Experience  to  be  one  of  the  most  unfortunate  measures,  which 
Congress  ever  adopted.  My  Lord  Shelburne  and  his  Colleagues 
had  been  convinced  by  various  Arguments,  that  it  was  the  Inter- 
est and  best  Policy  of  the  British  Nation  to  cultivate  the  Friend- 
ship of  America,  and  to  allow  her  the  amplest  advantages  in  Trade; 
and  the  Voice  of  the  Nation  was  falling  in  with  this  Principle:  so 
that  if  there  had  been  a Commission  in  being  we  should  have  had  a 
provisional  Treaty  of  Commerce  with  Great  Britain,  signed  at  the 
same  time  with  the  provisional  Articles  of  Peace.  But  now  there  is 
great  danger,  that  a new  Ministry  will  come  in,  tainted  with  Pas- 
sions, Prejudices  and  Principles  as  unfriendly  to  Us,  as  they  are 
contracted  in  their  Nature.  If  any  portion  of  foreign  Influence 
contributed  to  the  Revocation  in  question,  the  same  will  undoubt- 
edly be  employed  in  England;  for  it  insinuates  itself  every  where 
to  embroil  Affairs  there,  and  to  prevent  if  possible  a friendly  Dispo- 
sition towards  Us  from  prevailing.  Can  We  blame  this  Influence? 
We  ought  only  to  blame  ourselves  for  giving  way  to  it.  It  is  not 
founded  in  our  Intefests,  nor  in  any  Interests  that  We  are  under 
any  Obligations  to  favor.  We  are  under  no  Ties  of  Honor,  Con- 
science or  good  Faith,  nor  of  Policy,  Gratitude  or  Politeness,  to 
sacrifice  any  profits  which  We  can  obtain  in  Trade  with  Great 
Britain,  merely  to  promote  the  Trade  of  France.  It  is  of  the  last 
Importance  to  Us  in  a political  Light,  that  our  Commerce  should 
be  impartial  in  future,  and  be  drawn  to  no  Country  by  any  other 
Attraction  than  the  best  Bargains.  The  Price  and  Quality  of 
Goods  should  be  our  only  Criterion.  Let  the  Rivalry  of  our  Trade 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xx.  746.  See  Adams  to  Livingston,  February  5, 
1783,  Revolutionary  Diplomatic  Correspondence  (Wharton),  vi.  242. 


192 


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[1783 


be  free  and  unrestrained.  Let  Nations  contend  which  shall  furnish 
Us  the  best  Goods  at  the  cheapest  Rate,  and  Detur  digniori. 

This  is  the  only  principle,  which  can  warrant  Us  from  too  close 
an  Attachment  to  one  Scale  in  the  Ballance  of  Europe,  which  will 
excite  Jealousies  in  the  other.  Gentlemen  can  never  be  too  often 
requested  to  recollect  the  Debates  in  Congress  in  the  Years  1775 
and  1776,  when  the  Treaty  with  France  was  first  in  Contempla- 
tion. The  Nature  of  those  Connections,  which  ought  to  be  formed 
between  America  and  Europe,  will  never  be  better  understood 
than  they  were  at  that  time.  It  was  then  said,  there  is  a Ballance 
of  Power  in  Europe.  Nature  has  formed  it.  Practice  and  Habit 
have  confirmed  it,  and  it  must  forever  exist.  It  may  be  disturbed 
for  a time,  by  the  accidental  Removal  of  a Weight  from  one  Scale 
to  the  other;  but  there  will  be  a continual  Effort  to  restore  the 
Equilibrium.  The  Powers  of  Europe  now  think  Great  Britain  too 
powerful.  They  will  see  her  Power  diminished  with  pleasure.  But 
they  cannot  see  Us  throw  ourselves  headlong  into  the  Scale  of 
Bourbon  without  Jealousy  and  Terror.  We  must  therefore  give  no 
exclusive  priviledges  in  Trade  to  the  House  of  Bourbon.  If  We 
give  exclusive  priviledges  in  Trade,  or  form  perpetual  Alliances 
offensive  and  defensive  with  the  Powers  in  one  Scale,  We  infallibly 
make  Enemies  of  those  in  the  other,  and  some  of  these  at  least  will 
declare  War  in  favor  of  Great  Britain.  Congress  adopted  these 
Principles  and  this  System  in  its  purity,  and  by  their  Wisdom  have 
succeeded  most  perfectly  in  preventing  every  Power  in  the  World 
from  taking  Part  against  them.  I hope  I shall  not  give  offence,  if  I 
humbly  request  Congress  to  take  a review  of  the  original  Report 
of  the  Committee,  which  I think  I remember  very  well  as  it  is  in 
my  handwriting,  and  of  the  Alterations  made  in  it,  after  debating 
it  paragraph  by  paragraph  in  Congress.1  Compare  the  Plan  of  a 
Treaty,  which  was  sent  over  by  Dr.  Franklin,  with  the  Treaty  as  it 
was  signed  and  remark  in  how  many  particulars  the  distresses  of 
our  Affairs  have  compelled  Us  to  depart  from  the  purity  of  our 
first  Principle.  It  is  most  certain  We  have  now  no  Motive  to  de- 
part farther  from  it.  One  principal  Duty  of  our  Ministers  abroad 
should  have  been  to  keep  the  several  Courts  informed  that  this 
1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  v.  576. 


1783] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


193 


was  our  System,  which  would  have  greatly  facilitated  and  acceler- 
ated the  progress  of  our  Cause  in  Europe.  But  the  Instructions, 
with  which  those  Ministers  have  been  bound,  and  the  artful 
Obstructions  thrown  in  their  way,  have  rendered  them  much  less 
useful  than  they  might  have  been. 

I am  very  sorry  to  say,  but  my  Duty  obliges  me  to  say,  that  in 
my  poor  Opinion  our  foreign  Affairs  have  been  very  ill  conducted. 

Had  I been  permitted,  on  my  Arrival  in  Paris  in  1780,  to  open  a 
Negociation  with  the  British  Ministry,  if  it  had  only  been  so  far  as 
to  communicate  to  them,  and  if  they  had  neglected  to  take  Notice, 
to  the  Nation,  Copies  of  my  Commission  to  make  Peace  and  a 
Treaty  of  Commerce  with  Great  Britain  — Had  Mr.  Dana  been 
permitted  to  communicate  his  Commission  to  the  Ministers  of  the 
several  Courts  to  which  he  is  destined  - — Had  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dana 
and  myself  been  encouraged  and  countenanced  as  We  ought  to 
have  been,  instead  of  being  opposed,  obstructed,  neglected  and 
slighted,  as  We  have  been  in  our  several  Departments,  many 
thousands  of  Lives  would  have  been  saved,  many  Millions  of 
Money,  and  the  War  would  have  come  to  a Conclusion  much 
sooner,  upon  Terms  quite  as  advantageous  to  America,  more 
equitable  to  Holland,  and  more  glorious  for  France.  I must  and 
do  most  solemnly  deliver  it  as  my  Opinion,  that  French  Policy  has 
obstructed  the  progress  of  our  Cause  in  Europe,  more  than  British. 
It  is  high  time  that  We  should  be  upon  our  Guard,  and  not  mis- 
take Evil  for  Good. 

Mr.  Marbois  1 has  not  been  alone  in  his  Idea,  “that  the  inde- 
pendent Party  will  always  stand  in  great  Want  of  our  Support ,”  nor 
in  his  Endeavors  to  keep  the  independent  Party  always  in  want  of 
such  Support. 

Every  Step,  which  our  Negociations  advanced  in  Europe,  di- 
minished this  “Want  of  Support.”  It  was  a Crime  in  me  to  wish 
to  do  something  in  Holland  to  render  Us  less  dependent  on  France, 
as  it  was  in  Mr.  Samuel  Adams  to  toast,  “May  the  United  States 
ever  maintain  their  Right  to  the  Fisheries.” 

But  I venture  to  say,  the  Authors  of  this  shackling  and  clipping 
System,  this  enfeebling  and  impoverishing  Plan,  have  been  very 

1 Francois  Barbe-Marbois  (1745-1837). 


1 94 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1783 


bad  French  Politicians.  They  have  been  ignorant  of  America,  the 
Character  of  her  people  and  her  Resources.  They  must  reform 
their  Policy,  or  their  Master  and  his  Country  will  have  Cause  to 
repent  it.  They  must  change  their  System;  and  the  sooner  they 
are  plainly  and  honestly  told  so,  the  better.  The  United  States  of 
America  are  not  a Power  to  be  trifled  with.  There  has  been  too 
much  trifling  in  many  Respects. 

There  are  Intimations  of  a Desire  of  Commercial  Treaties  and 
Connections  at  present  in  various  Parts  of  Europe.  The  United 
States  have  been  admitted  to  dance  amongst  the  proudest  Powers 
of  Europe  at  a Masquerade  Ball  at  the  Court  of  Turin,  and  Portu- 
gal has  acknowledged  their  Independence  by  the  Act  inclosed. 

With  great  Respect  and  Esteem,  I have  the  Honour  to  be  Sir, 
your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servant. 

John  Adams 

General  Warren.1 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 
Confidential.  Paris,  March  21st,  1783 

Sir,  — The  Situation  of  things  in  England  cannot  be  too  much 
attended  to  at  this  time.  The  whimsical  State  of  Parties;  the 
Anarchy  in  Government  and  the  Confusion  of  Opinions  among 
the  People,  have  been  occasioned  in  a great  Measure  by  the  want 
of  an  American  Commission  to  make  a Treaty  of  Commerce  with 
Great  Britain.  It  is  this  that  has  brought  all  things  to  a Stand. 
The  Merchants  and  Manufacturers  know  not  what  to  do,  nor 
what  they  can  depend  upon.  Had  a provisional  Treaty  of  Com- 
merce accompanied  the  provisional  Treaty  of  the  30th  of  Novem- 
ber, the  Nation  would  have  been  so  decidedly  satisfied  with  the 
Peace,  that  Mr.  Fox  and  my  Lord  North  would  never  have  been 
able  to  have  obtained  a Vote  of  the  House  of  Commons,  that  the 
Peace  was  inadequate.  The  critical  Moment  for  obtaining  the  best 
possible  Treaty  of  Commerce,  I very  much  fear,  is  lost  forever. 

1 This  letter,  as  the  contents  indicate,  was  originally  written  to  the  President  of  Con- 
gress, but  the  destination  was  afterwards  changed  and  Warren  made  the  recipient. 


1783] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1 95 


The  true  secret  Motive  of  this  Peace,  was  the  precarious  Situa- 
tion of  the  Ministers  who  made  it.  I mean  the  Earl  of  Shelburne 
and  the  C.  de  Vergennes.1  The  Earl’s  Continuance  in  Office  cer- 
tainly depended  upon  his  making  Peace,  at  least  a provisional  one 
with  America.  And  I knew,  perhaps  better  than  my  Colleagues, 
that  after  the  Signature  of  the  provisional  Treaty,  the  Comte’s 
Continuance  in  Office  depended  too  upon  the  Peace.  I am  com- 
manded by  Congress  to  write  the  Characters  of  Ministers,  and  I 
must  obey.  There  are  Commis  and  Deputy  Commis  in  the  Of- 
fice of  Interpreters,  or  some  other  Scribblers,  who  employ  them- 
selves incessantly  in  filling  all  the  Gazettes  of  Europe  with 
pompous  Panegyricks  of  this  Minister,  and  sublime  Ideas  of  his 
Power  and  Credit,  as  well  as  his  Abilities.  But  this  is  mere  Puff 
and  Bubble.  He  has  long  Experience  in  Courts,  and  is  adroit 
enough  in  ordinary  Business,  but  is  by  no  means  a great  Minister. 
He  has  neither  the  extensive  knowledge  nor  the  Foresight,  nor  the 
Wisdom,  nor  the  Virtue,  nor  the  Temper  of  a great  Man.  His 
Politicks  are  disturbed  by  little  Passions,  weak  Prejudices  and 
unworthy  Tricks,  in  every  Step  of  their  Progress.  Not  having 
those  great  Abilities  and  that  decided  Character,  which  command 
Respect,  he  has  not  the  Advantage  of  high  Birth  and  Nobility, 
which  in  this  Country  might  serve  as  a Substitute  for  them.  The 
Queen  is  not  his  Friend.  He  has  not  given  that  Satisfaction  to 
Spain,  which  is  pretended,  and  he  has  disgusted  Holland.  And  if 
America  has  any  Regard  to  the  Character  of  her  Ministers,  to  her 
Fisheries  or  her  Western  Lands,  he  has  given  Cause  enough  of 
Disgust  to  America.  Feeling  his  Weakness  and  his  Danger,  he  has 
united  himself  to  De  Fleury,2  to  whom  the  French  don’t  scruple  to 
give  very  hard  Names.  By  Means  of  this  Comptroller  of  Finances, 
whose  Reputation  here  is  very  bad,  and  the  Chancellor,  he  has 
obtained  a Feather  in  placing  himself  at  the  Head  of  the  Council 
of  Finances,  which  has  been  trumpetted  as  the  Place  of  Monsieur 
de  Maurepas,  but  it  is  not.  Mr.  de  Maurepas  3 was  President  of 
the  Conseil  de  Roi,  a very  different  Place  from  this,  which  is 

1 Charles  Gravier,  comte  de  Vergennes  (1717-1787). 

2 Jean  Francois  Joly  de  Fleury  (1718-1802),  hero  of  the  song:  “Si  c’est  du  fleuri,  ce 
n’est  pas  du  joli.” 

3 Jean  Frederic  Phelippeaux,  comte  de  Maurepas  (1701-1781). 


196 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


merely  a nominal  thing.  He  will  not  suffer  the  Baron  de  Breteuil 1 
to  come  from  Vienna,  from  a Jealousy  of  him.  And  it  has  been 
given  to  me  as  a serious  Opinion  by  Noblemen  of  great  Considera- 
tion, among  the  rest,  by  one  who  is  dear  to  America,  that  he  will 
not  stand  his  Ground  very  long  — some  say  not  six  Months.  If 
there  is  Truth  in  this  Representation,  and  I verily  believe  it  to  be 
literally  true,  Congress  will  easily  see,  that  if  the  Comte  had  not 
made  Peace,  after  the  Signature  of  the  provisional  Treaty,  he 
would  not  have  been  able  to  stand  the  Clamour.  The  Fact  was, 
there  was  a great  Cry  against  him.  You  heard  in  all  Companies: 
“He  has  done  wrong.  There  should  have  been  a Congress  of 
Ministers  of  all  the  Powers  at  War.  The  Ministers  of  France, 
Spain,  England,  Holland  and  the  United  States,  should  have  all 
assembled  in  one  Room  and  discussed  the  whole  Peace  in  presence 
of  each  other,  and  all  signed  together.  Instead  of  that,  he  sends 
Rayneval  and  his  Son  to  London,  communicates  nothing  to  the 
American  Ministers,  nothing  to  the  Dutch  Ministers,  and  leaves 
the  Americans  to  sign  first;  whereby  England  was  at  liberty  to 
turn  her  whole  Force  against  France  and  Spain.  The  Americans 
have  done  right,  but  the  Comte  has  cheated  himself.”  This  was 
the  language  of  France,  and  Congress  may  easily  see  by  it,  that 
the  Comte’s  Continuance  in  Office,  after  this  faux  pas,  depended 
upon  his  making  a Peace.  He  felt  it,  and  accordingly  hastened  it 
to  a Conclusion  so  suddenly,  as  to  violate  his  Promises  solemnly 
made  and  often  repeated  to  the  Dutch  Minister. 

The  Baron  Breteuil,  Ambassador  at  Vienna,  is  of  high  Birth 
and  numerous  noble  Connections,  and  very  rich.  He  has  a Son, 
to  whom  the  Duchess  de  Polignac  has  a desire  to  marry  her 
Daughter.  Breteuil  desires  to  enter  into  the  Ministry,  or  to  be 
Intendant  of  Bretagne.  But  the  Comte  has  hitherto  refused  to 
let  him  come  home,  because  he  dreads  him.  It  is  now  said, 
however,  that  Orders  are  gone  to  him  to  come  to  France.  And  it 
is  ardently  to  be  wished,  that  Breteuil  or  some  other  Minister 
may  take  the  Place  of  Vergennes.  There  cannot  be  a worse  in  my 
Opinion  for  America.  He  has  meant  Us  too  much  Evil;  is  too 
conscious  of  it  and  too  sensible  that  We  know  it;  and  he  has  been 

1 Louis  Auguste  le  Tonnelier,  baron  de  Breteuil  (1733-1807). 


1783] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


1 97 


too  cleverly  defeated  in  some  of  his  ill  Intentions,  ever  to  be  our 
Friend. 

It  is  not  easy  to  explain  the  Motives  of  a little  Mind,  which  has 
no  fixed  Principle  of  Action.  It  is  not  easy  to  assign  the  Reason  of 
his  long  continued  Rancour  against  our  Rights  to  the  Fisheries  and 
the  Western  Lands  — against  our  obtaining  Loans  or  Subsidies 
from  the  King  sufficiently  noble  and  ample  to  have  established  our 
Credit,  and  to  have  enabled  Us  to  strike  an  effectual  Blow  against 
New  York  — against  our  having  an  effectual  Assistance  of  Men  of 
War,  and  against  the  Progress  of  our  Negociations  in  Europe. 

He  is  incapable  of  any  Sentiment  so  patriotic,  as  to  do  all  this 
to  keep  Us  dependent  upon  France,  that  She  might  avail  herself 
of  our  Weight  and  our  Commerce.  He  wished  to  keep  Us  depend- 
ent, that  he  might  have  Us  in  his  own  Power,  that  he  might  have 
the  miserable  Gloriole  of  being  the  Pacificateur  of  Europe,  of 
having  America,  Holland,  Spain  and  France  in  his  Pocket,  That 
he  might  be  made  a Grandee  of  Spain,  and  obtain  a Reputation 
imposing  enough  to  secure  him  his  Place. 

That  he  has  pursued  the  Design  for  many  Years  of  manoeuvring 
Us  out  of  our  Fisheries  and  Western  Territories,  is  past  all  doubt. 
Mr.  Gerard,  who  was  a faithful  Representative  of  him,  betrayed 
such  a Design  when  he  was  at  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Marbois,  who  is, 
I am  very  sorry  to  see,  too  faithful  a Representative  of  him,  has 
pursued  the  same  Design.  Mr.  Rayneval,1  who  is  another  of  his 
Images,  has  held  the  same  Language,  and  the  Comte  himself  has 
held  it  too.  His  Attack  upon  me  in  his  Letters  to  Dr.  Franklin, 
which  the  Dr.  was  left  to  transmit  to  Congress  without  informing 
me,  was  an  Attack  upon  the  Fishery  and  Western  Country. 
Franklin’s  Motive  was  to  get  my  Commission,  and  Vergennes’s 
Motive  was  to  get  it  for  him.  Not  that  he  loved  Franklin  more 
than  me,  but  because  he  knew  Franklin  would  be  more  obsequious. 
The  Pretence,  that  I had  given  Offence,  was  a mere  Fiction.  Such 
an  invention  they  knew  would  be  most  likely  to  intimidate  Mem- 
bers of  Congress,  and  carry  their  Point.  I repeat  it,  it  was  not 
true  that  I had  given  Offence.  To  suppose  that  I had,  is  to  sup- 
pose him  the  most  senseless  Despot  that  ever  existed.  The  Secret 

1 Joseph  Matthias  Gerard  de  Rayneval  (1746-1812). 


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was,  that  I was  known  to  be  too  much  attached  to  the  Western 
Countries  and  the  Fisheries,  and  to  be  a Man,  who  would  neither 
be  decieved,  wheedled,  flattered,  or  intimidated  into  a Surrender 
of  them.  Franklin  he  knew  would  let  him  do  as  he  pleased,  and 
assist  him  in  inventing  an  Excuse  for  it. 

I cannot  account  for  his  Enmity  to  Us,  but  by  supposing  an 
Affectation  of  a Reputation  of  great  Foresight.  He  affected  to  fore- 
see, that  We  should  suddenly  become  a great  Nation,  very  rich 
and  powerful  — so  powerful,  as  to  be  independent  and  keep  our- 
selves neutral  in  a future  War.  He  thought  by  crippling  Us,  he 
could  keep  Us  dependent  and  oblige  Us  to  join  France  in  a future 
War  against  England.  He  thought  too,  that  by  getting  America, 
Holland  and  Spain  wholly  into  his  Power,  he  could  make  the 
Peace  as  he  pleased,  and  thus  oblige  every  one  to  acknowledge  him 
as  its  Guardian,  and  trumpet  his  Fame  so  high,  as  to  make  the 
Nation  forget  who  he  was  and  is,  and  oblige  the  King  to  continue 
him  in  Power.  But  he  has  been  vastly  disappointed.  And  the 
Truth  is,  that  the  American  Ministers  made  the  Peace  in  spight  of 
him,  let  his  hireling  Trumpetters  say  what  they  will. 

It  may  not  however  be  of  any  very  great  Importance  to  Us,  who 
is  the  Minister  here.  Let  who  will  be  the  Minister,  We  must  be 
jealous  of  him,  and  trust  him  no  farther  than  We  see  him.  Every 
humiliating  Instruction  to  your  Ministers  in  Europe  must  be 
repealed,  and  they  must  see  with  their  own  Eyes.  We  must  pre- 
serve a good  Understanding  with  France,  and  the  King  and  the 
Nation  are  well  disposed  to  it.  But  we  shall  never  preserve  their 
Friendship,  unless  We  take  Care  of  their  Ministers.  We  must  not 
send  our  Army  to  Capua.  We  must  cherish  our  Militia  in  every 
State,  keep  ourselves  prepared  for  whatever  may  happen.  This  is 
the  Way  to  preserve  and  improve  the  Peace.  We  can  have  no 
Dependance  upon  England,  whose  People  are  still  capable  of 
horrid  Deeds;  ifthey  had  the  Power.  They  have  no  sincere  Friend- 
ship for  the  United  States,  altho’  they  are  willing  to  acquiesce  in 
the  Peace,  and  avail  themselves  of  our  Commerce.  They  are 
humbled,  in  appearance  at  least,  feel  their  real  Situation  and  have 
left  off  their  vain  Boastings.  But  there  is  Cause  to  suspect,  that 
they  are  confounded  rather  than  humbled,  and  that  they  have 


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1 99 


not  sincerely  repented  of  their  past  Conduct.  A Correspondent  of 
mine  says,  They  are  in  a State  of  political  Reprobation  — “of 
Hell  or  Heaven,  of  Liberty  or  Slavery  they  reck  not.” 

As  the  Courtiers  still  entertain  their  old  Malice  against  Us,  it 
is  not  probable,  that  the  true  Interest  of  the  Nation  will  be  im- 
mediately and  steadily  pursued.  But  as  Shelburne  pursued  for  a 
long  time  an  oscillating  kind  of  Policy  to  the  Disgrace  and  Loss  of 
the  Nation,  it  will  now  require  so  much  time  to  get  rid  of  old 
Prejudices  in  Commercial  Matters,  that  its  Rivals  will  get  the  Start. 

If  the  Duke  of  Portland,1  Ld.  John  Cavendish,2  Mr.  Fox,  etca. 
are  now  in  Power,  this  Administration  cannot  last  long,  and  I fear 
they  will  not  understand  so  well  as  Shelburne  the  true  System 
towards  America.  Administration  will  fluctuate  for  some  time, 
and  there  are  terrible  Symptoms  of  bloody  Contests,  which  will 
drive  Multitudes  to  America,  but  will  weaken  and  ruin  that  Is- 
land more  completely,  than  it  is  our  Interest,  or  that  of  Mankind 
perhaps,  to  wish. 

The  annual  Interest  of  their  Debt  added  to  the  Expences  of 
Government  exceed  by  several  Millions  all  their  Revenues,  an 
horrid  Truth  which  presents  the  Prospect  at  least  of  a partial 
Bankruptcy;  and  this  alone,  without  any  other  Commotion,  will 
drive  great  Numbers  to  our  Country. 

It  is  our  Business  to  render  our  Country  an  Asylum,  worthy  to 
receive  all  who  may  wish  to  fly  to  it.  This  can  only  be  done,  by 
rendering  the  Minds  of  the  People  really  independent.  By  guard- 
ing them  against  the  Introduction  of  Luxury  and  Effeminacy, 
By  watching  over  the  Education  of  Youth,  By  keeping  out  Vices 
and  cultivating  Virtues,  By  improving  our  Militia,  and  by  forming 
a Navy.  These  alone  can  compose  a Rock  of  Defence.  Without 
these,  Alliances  will  be  a Snare.  With  them,  We  may  have  what 
Alliances  We  please,  and  none  but  such  as  we  chuse.  With  great 
Esteem  and  Respect,  I have  the  Honour  to  be,  Sir,  your  most 
obedient  and  most  humble  Servant 

John  Adams3 

1 WilliamHenry  Cavendish  Bentinck,  Duke  of  Portland  (1738-1809).  2 (1732-1796). 

3 Only  the  word  “confidential”  at  the  opening  of  this  letter,  the  closing  “With  great 
Esteem”  etc.  and  the  name  of  General  Warren  are  in  John  Adams’  handwriting.  See  note 
to  letter  of  March  20,  1783. 


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Benjamin  Lincoln  to  James  Warren 

Philadelphia,  April  5,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — Congress  have  referred  to  the  several  States,  the 
propriety  of  repealing  part  of  our  present  confederation,  and  of 
establishing  new  principles,  for  apportioning  the  Debts  of  the 
United  States. 

When  questions,  of  such  importance  as  these,  are  to  be  agitated, 
it  is  no  less  the  duty,  than  the  interest,  of  every  citizen,  to  offer 
his  own  sentiments,  on  the  propositions.  I shall  therefore,  with 
freedom,  and  as  concisely  as  possible,  offer  you  mine,  agreeably  to 
my  promise,  made  in  my  letter  of  the  second  instant. 

The  questions,  to  be  considered,  are  whether  that  part  of  the 
confederation,  shall  be  repealed,  which  directs,  that  the  expences 
of  the  United  States,  shall  be  borne  by  the  several  States,  accord- 
ing to  the  value  of  their  located  lands,  and  buildings;  and  whether 
a new  system,  shall  be  substituted,  which  provides,  that  the  pro- 
portion of  each  State,  shall  be  ascertained,  by  the  number  of  their 
white  inhabitants,  added  to  three-fifths  of  their  black  inhabitants. 
Did  the  substitution  recommended,  include  the  whole  number  of 
souls  in  each  State,  and  direct  them  all  to  be  brought  into  the 
estimation,  I should  not  hesitate  to  adopt  it,  and  should  consent 
to  the  repeal  most  readily,  not  because  I think  the  scheme  a per- 
fect one,  but  because,  I think  it  preferable,  to  the  one  pointed  out 
by  the  confederation,  and  that  it  is  the  best  we  can  now  obtain. 

The  only  question  with  me,  at  present  is,  whether  there  shall  be 
a deduction  from  the  numbers  in  any  State,  merely  because  the 
complexions  of  part  [of]  the  inhabitants,  of  some  of  the  States,  are 
different,  from  those  of  the  inhabitants  of  others. 

The  reason  why  we  do  not  apportion,  the  public  debts,  on  the 
several  States  equally,  is  because,  each  State,  has  not  equal  abili- 
ties, to  pay  a like  sum;  this  brings  us  to  the  necessity,  of  enquiring 
into,  and  of  ascertaining,  the  abilities  of  the  several  States,  that 
we  may  know  what  proportion,  each  can  pay,  so  that  all  the  in- 
habitants, of  the  United  States,  shall  bear  their  just  proportion  of 
the  common  burden. 

In  order,  that  I may  give  you  my  sentiments  on  the  questions, 


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201 


in  as  clear  a manner  as  possible,  I shall  suggest  some  general 
principles,  which  I think  will  be  admitted  as  true,  and  that  they 
are  the  basis  on  which,  a determination  of  the  present  questions, 
must  rest. 

A people  may  always  be  estimated  rich,  when  a great  proportion 
of  their  inhabitants  are  laborers,  for  it  will  not  be  controverted, 
that  by  the  hand  of  the  laborer,  the  State  is  supported;  when  from 
the  richness  of  the  soil,  and  from  the  clemency  of  their  seasons,  a 
sufficiency,  for  the  support  of  their  inhabitants,  is  produced,  by  a 
small  proportion  of  that  labor;  When  the  surplus,  affords  a valu- 
able and  important  article  for  exportation;  and  when,  from  the 
mildness  of  the  climate,  little  clothing  is  necessary,  and  the  labors 
of  the  summer,  are  not  consumed,  by  providing  subsistence  for  the 
winter. 

I suppose  that  it  will  not  be  denied,  by  any,  that  a people  thus 
circumstanced,  will  be  rich,  if  they  are  not  wanting  to  themselves, 
and  that,  if  the  value  of  such  means  of  wealth,  could  with  exact- 
ness be  ascertained,  we  should  have  good  documents,  by  which, 
we  might  form  a system,  for  apportioning  the  public  debts,  that 
would  do  equal  right  to  all.  On  this  belief  I shall  ground  my 
present  observations  on  the  subject. 

I say  all  the  blacks,  in  the  southern  States,  should  be  numbered, 
and  brought  into  the  estimation,  Because  a greater  proportion  of 
them  are  laborers,  than  are  among  the  same  number  of  people,  in 
the  Northern  States.  In  the  southern,  there  are  in  these  respects, 
no  distinction  of  sex,  the  mother  with  her  babe  is  as  many  hours 
in  the  field,  and  has  an  equal  task  assigned  her,  with  her  husband, 
and  if  she,  being  thus  incumbred,  is  unable  to  perform  it,  he  is 
obliged  to  compleat  it,  in  addition  to  his  own.  Because  from  the 
nature  and  richness  of  the  soil,  which  is  easy  of  culture,  the  same 
quantity  of  labor,  for  the  support  of  an  individual,  is  not  necessary 
in  the  Southern  States,  as  in  the  northern,  where  the  soil  is  stiff, 
the  lands  stoney,  and  are  with  difficulty  cultivated.  Because  in 
the  southern  States,  they  have  a large  surplus  of  beef  and  pork, 
which  make  a very  valuable  article  of  exportation.  To  obtain  this 
they  are  at  little  or  no  expence,  for  their  cattle  and  swine  roam  at 
large  and  from  the  growths  of  the  forests,  (such  being  the  tempera- 


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ture  of  the  climate,)  their  spontaneous  productions,  are  sufficient 
to  feed  them,  summer  and  winter,  without  any  attention  of  the 
laborer,  and  no  cost  is  incurred,  in  fencing  and  clearing  the  lands, 
on  which  these  are  raised.  While  in  the  Northern  States  all  the 
cattle  and  swine  are  fed  five  months  in  a year  from  food  provided 
for  them  in  the  summer  and  at  all  times  from  the  groath  of  land, 
which  to  clear  and  fence  involves  the  owner  in  a very  great  expence 
and  after  all  our  care  the  surplus  of  beef  and  pork  for  exportation 
is  very  inconsiderable.  Because  the  surplus,  provided  by  the  la- 
bors of  the  Southern  States,  of  articles  of  exportation,  far  exceed, 
in  quantity  and  value  the  surplus  procured  by  the  labors  in  the 
Northern  States,  where  a great  part  of  their  time  is  spent,  in  laying 
in  necessaries  for  the  winter,  in  which,  little  business  is  performed. 
Because,  food  not  so  expensive  in  kind,  and  not  in  so  great  a 
quantity,  is  required  by  the  laborers,  in  the  Southern  States,  as  is 
required  by  those  in  the  Northern,  there  animal  food  cannot  be 
dispensed  with.  Because  in  the  Southern  States,  their  seasons  are 
so  clement,  that  very  little  expence  is  necessary  for  clothing, 
and  especially  for  the  laborers,  and  to  provide  necessaries  for  the 
winter.  In  the  Northern  States,  warm  clothing  must  be  had,  and 
as  I observed  before,  a great  proportion  of  their  time,  is  spent  in 
the  summer,  in  providing  for  the  winter.  Because,  the  laborer, 
from  the  best  information  I can  obtain,  in  procuring  the  principal 
articles  of  export,  can  earn  nearly  double  the  sum,  each  day,  to 
that  which  is  earned,  by  our  fishermen,  in  taking  and  curing  fish, 
which  are  our  cheif  article  of  export. 

These  are  among  the  reasons,  which  have  induced  me  to  say, 
that  all  the  blacks,  ought  to  be  taken  into  the  estimation.  Indeed, 
I think,  in  consideration  of  the  peculiar  advantages,  enjoyed  by 
the  Southern,  which  cannot  be  enjoyed  by  the  Northern  States, 
that  the  Southern,  should  take  a greater  proportion  of  the  com- 
mon debt  than  even  this  would  give  them. 

Here  I should  drop  the  subject,  was  there  any  common  arbiter, 
to  decide  among  the  United  States,  whose  mind  would  not  be 
swayed  by  interest  nor  his  Judgment  fettered  by  fear.  We  might 
with  safety  rely,  on  such  a decision,  as  insuring  to  us,  that  justice, 
which  to  obtain,  I see  very  little  hope,  under  our  present  consti- 


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203 


tution.  But  is  there  such  an  arbiter  to  be  found,  among  all  the 
Sons  of  the  United  States?  I am  convinced  there  is  not.  If  then, 
there  is  little  probability,  that  the  most  perfect  justice  can  be 
obtained,  and  the  very  best  method  cannot  be  called  into  practice, 
while  something  must  be  done,  which  I think  is  our  case,  and  the 
very  great  advances  made  by  the  Massachusetts  makes  it  particu- 
larly necessary  for  her  to  have  all  our  public  accounts  liquidated 
and  apportioned  on  the  several  States,  which  I am  confident 
would  greatly  relieve  her  from  her  present  burdens,  I think  there- 
fore, although  she  may  be  fully  convinced,  that  the  system  pro- 
posed for  her  consideration  and  adoption,  will  not  do  her  perfect 
justice;  yet  if  she  is  convinced  that  it  is  the  best  which  can  be 
obtained,  and  that  fewer  evils  will  arise  from  her  adopting  than 
from  her  rejecting  it,  she  will  no  doubt  do  the  former. 

To  procure  an  estimate  of  all  the  located  lands  and  buildings, 
in  the  several  States,  agreeably  to  the  mode  pointed  out  by  the' 
confederation,  is  a work  of  time,  and  we  know,  from  long  experi- 
ence, by  the  operation  of  laws  of  this  kind  in  our  State,  how  little 
dependance  can  be  placed,  in  such  returns,  when  they  are  obtained. 

If  it  is  with  difficulty  that  a just  valuation  can  be  procured  and 
established  in  so  small  an  extent  of  country  as  is  our  State,  and 
where  there  are  many  of  the  inhabitants,  who  have  a pretty  good 
knowledge  of  the  several  parts  of  it,  and  can  correct  the  errors, 
which  always  mark  such  returns;  can  we  hope  for  a just  one  from 
the  several  States,  and  that  an  equal  proportion  can  be  settled 
by  such  returns,  where  we  have  no  persons,  who  have  such  a knowl- 
edge of  all  the  States,  as  will  give  them,  any  just  pretentions,  to  a 
right,  of  correcting  the  several  returns,  from  their  own  informa- 
tion. Besides,  I am  confident,  should  a just  return  be  made,  of  all 
the  buildings,  and  the  full  number  of  the  acres  of  Land,  in  each 
State,  yet  I have  not  a doubt,  but  the  different  estimates  of  value 
put  on  them,  by  the  several  States,  would  be  so  unequal,  that  it 
would  be  a source  of  continual  disputes,  and  a fountain,  from 
which,  unceasing  dissentions  would  flow. 

The  real  and  estimated  value  of  estates,  are  very  different 
things,  the  first  is  determined  by  their  produce,  and  the  other  by 
the  sum  they  will  sell  for.  We  often  find,  that  the  produce  of  a 


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[1783 


farm,  after  all  the  labors  and  expences  are  paid,  is  of  more  value, 
in  the  support  of  a family,  than  would  be  the  interest  of  the  money, 
arising  from  the  capital  the  farm  would  fetch.  So  on  the  other 
hand,  we  some  times  see  lands,  from  their  local  situation,  and  the 
number  of  purchasers,  sell  for  a sum,  the  common  interest  of 
which,  will  far  exceed  in  value,  the  neat  income  of  the  Land.  The 
real  value  of  an  estate,  taken  for  the  apportionment  of  taxes, 
should  be  estimated  by  its  produce,  not  by  the  sum,  which  the 
possessor  may  have  given  for  it;  for,  from  the  produce,  are  the 
taxes  to  be  paid,  they  should  therefore  be  proportioned  thereby. 

It  is  from  the  want  of  this  system,  in  the  Massachusetts,  that  all 
the  lands  in  the  first  settled  part  of  the  State,  and  near  the  Sea, 
pay  a much  greater  tax  than  lands  do  which  have  been  more 
lately  settled,  though  their  produce  is  equal. 

Was  the  value  of  lands,  always  determined  by  the  value  of  their 
produce,  we  should  be  freed  from  a repetition  of  the  evils,  we  have 
experienced  in  our  State,  from  the  want  of  this  attention,  and 
should  have  no  apprehensions,  of  an  unequal  apportionment,  of 
the  debt  of  the  United  States,  made  on  the  letter  of  the  confedera- 
tion — letter  I say  because,  I think  if  the  spirit  was  attended  to, 
we  should  have  a return  of  what  I before  called,  the  real  value  of 
the  States;  But  this  we  may  not  expect,  the  located  lands  and 
Buildings,  will  be  estimated,  at  what  they  will  sell  for,  an  appor- 
tionment, on  such  an  estimate,  will  saddle  the  Northern  States, 
with  an  unequal  proportion,  of  the  public  debts.  Because  lands, 
in  an  old  and  well  settled  country,  will  sell  for  more  money,  than 
lands,  which  will  yield  an  equal  produce,  will  sell  for,  in  a new  one, 
this  we  are  taught  by  every  day  experience. 

Though,  I think  the  w[hole]  number  of  inhabitants,  should 
come  into  consideration,  yet  as  that  cannot  be  obtained,  I think 
fewer  evils  will  be  experienced,  by  adopting  the  proposed  System, 
than  will  be  suffered,  should  it  be  rejected. 

Thus  my  dear  Sir,  I have  in  as  few  words  as  possible,  given  you 
my  ideas,  on  a subject,  interesting  in  its  nature,  and  on  the  speedy 
settlement  of  which,  much  depends. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  Dear  Sir,  with  great  esteem  your  obedient 
humble  Servant,  B.  Lincoln 


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205 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Paris,  April  9,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — I hope  this  will  find  you  in  Congress,  support- 
ing your  Country  and  her  Friends,  where  you  ought  to  have  been 
many  years  past.  For  want  of  a few  more  hands  of  your  Stamp  at 
the  great  Wheel,  we  poor  Creatures  are  trembling  here  under  a 
fearful  looking  for  of  Judgment  and  fiery  Indignation  from  Phila- 
delphia. 

It  is  utterly  inconceivable  how  Congress  can  have  been  deceived 
into  such  Instructions  as  they  gave  us,  which  without  all  Con- 
troversy would  have  ruined  our  Country,  if  they  had  been  obeyed. 
Those  Instructions  put  some  of  our  essential  Interests  into  the 
Power  of  the  worst  Enemy  of  those  Interests. 

Great  Britain  is  in  a State  that  is  undefinable  — Unable  for 
many  Weeks  to  form  any  Administration  at  all.  the  King  is  now 
reported  to  have  made  a Combination  so  whimsical  that  it  cannot 
be  expected  to  last,  if  it  can  operate  at  all.  It  must  be  divided  in 
Sentiment  upon  every  material  Question.  The  Distress  for  Grain, 
the  Poverty  of  the  Treasury,  the  Weakness  of  public  Credit,  the 
Weight  of  Taxes,  the  general  Discontents  and  Animosities,  and 
the  Danger,  if  not  the  Certainty  of  a publick  Bankruptcy,  at 
least  in  part,  threaten  that  devoted  Country  with  Calamities  of 
which  no  Man  can  foresee  the  End. 

You  are  threatened  with  an  Inondation  of  Emigrants  from  all 
Parts  of  Europe.  But  there  will  not  be  such  an  Appearance  as  is 
talked  of.  It  is  not  so  easy  for  Men  to  change  Countries.  If  you 
were  to  listen  to  the  Conversation  in  private  Circles,  or  in  Coffee 
Houses,  or  to  the  Paragraphs  in  the  Gazettes,  you  would  think 
that  all  Europe  was  about  to  empty  itself  into  America;  but  after 
all  the  Number  of  Emigrants  will  be  small. 

I am  in  Expectation  every  hour  of  recieving  your  Acceptance  of 
my  Resignation,  and  indeed  I stand  in  need  of  it.  The  Scenes  of 
Gloom,  Danger  and  Perplexity  I have  gone  thro’,  by  Sea  and  Land, 
and  the  Shocks  of  various  Climates,  have  affected  my  Health  to  a 
great  degree,  and,  what  is  worse,  my  Spirits.  Firm  as  some  People 
have  been  complaisant  enough  to  suppose  my  Temper  is,  I assure 


206 


TVarren- Adams  Letters  [1783 


you  it  has  been  shaken  to  its  foundations,  and  more  by  the  fluc- 
tuating Councils  of  Philadelphia,  than  by  anything  else.  When  a 
Man  sees  entrusted  to  him  the  most  essential  Interests  of  his 
Country,  sees  that  they  depend  essentially  upon  him,  and  that  he 
must  defend  them  against  the  Malice  of  Enemies,  the  Finesse  of 
Allies,  the  Treachery  of  a Colleague,  and  sees  that  he  is  not  to  be 
supported  even  by  his  Employers,  you  may  well  imagine  a Man 
does  not  sleep  on  a Bed  of  Roses.  It  is  enough  to  poison  the  Life  of 
a Man  in  its  most  secret  Sources. 

The  Fever,  which  I had  at  Amsterdam,  which  held  me  for  five 
days  hiccoughing  and  senseless  over  the  Grave,  exhausted  me  in 
such  a Manner  that  I never  have  been  able  to  recover  from  it 
entirely.  I have  rode  and  walked  and  exercised  incessantly  now 
for  a Year  and  three  Quarters,  and  have  lived  in  all  Respects  with 
great  Caution,  but  all  does  not  do.  I have  Weaknesses  of  Mind 
and  Body,  to  which  I have  been  all  my  Life  before  a Stranger. 
But  I am  not  yet  however  so  weak  as  to  stay  in  Europe  with  a 
Wound  upon  my  Honour,  and  if  I had  the  Health  of  Hercules,  I 
would  go  home,  Leave  or  no  Leave,  the  Moment  another  Person 
is  appointed  to  Great  Britain.  No  fooling  in  such  a March.  I 
will  not  be  horse  jockeyed.  At  least,  if  I am,  De  Vergennes  and 
Franklin  shall  not  be  the  Jockies. 

It  is  not  that  I am  ambitious  of  the  Honour  of  a Commission  to 
St.  James’s,  or  that  I fondly  expect  a happy  Life  there.  I could  be 
happier  I believe  at  The  Hague.  But  my  Enemies,  because  they 
are  Enemies  or  Despisers  of  the  Interests  of  my  Country,  shall 
never  have  such  a Triumph  over  me.  I should  think  myself  for- 
ever unworthy  of  the  Confidence  of  Congress,  or  of  any  other 
Body  possessed  of  Sense  or  Spirit,  if  I did.  In  Truth  I sigh  for 
Repose.  My  Family  has  become  an  indispensible  Necessary  of 
Life  to  me.  I am  no  longer  a Boy,  nor  a young  Man,  and  there  is 
no  Employment  however  honorable,  no  Course  of  Life  however 
brilliant,  has  such  a Lustre  in  my  Imagination  as  absolutely  a 
private  Life.  My  Farm  and  my  Family  glitter  before  my  Eyes 
every  Day  and  Night. 

You  may  well  imagine  that  I shall  not  be  beloved  in  London. 
I have  been,  as  you  know,  too  old  and  atrocious  an  Offender  not 


1783] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


207 


to  have  Millions  of  Enemies  there.  You  know,  too,  that  I have 
acted  too  daring  and  decided  a Part  in  France  and  Holland,  as 
well  as  in  America,  not  to  have  numerous  Enemies  and  powerful 
ones  too  in  all  those  Countries.  The  Peace  does  not  open  to  me 
in  public  Life  Prospects  of  Glory  and  Triumph  and  Power  and 
Wealth,  that  can  flatter  or  excite  Ambition  or  Avarice  in  me. 

I knew  very  well  for  many  Years  before  I engaged  in  publick, 
that  if  I ever  should  engage,  whatever  Dangers  I might  brave, 
whatever  Losses  I might  suffer,  and  whatever  Successes  I might 
have,  Rewards  and  Fortunes  were  never  made  for  me  nor  mine; 
that  the  utmost  I could  ever  expect  would  be  a comfortable  or 
even  a tolerable  old  Age.  For  this  I would  gladly  now  compound. 
At  home  I might  enjoy  it.  Abroad  I certainly  cannot.  Decide  my 
Fate,  therefore,  as  soon  as  possible,  if  it  is  not  yet  decided;  which 
I wish  and  hope,  and  let  me  embrace  you  at  Philadelphia  or  at 
Milton.  With  great  Affection  and  Esteem  your  Friend. 

Paris,  15th  April , 1783.  Delivered  to  Mr.  George  Mason  of 
Virginia. 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Paris,  April  12,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — What  would  I have  given  to  have  been  your  Door- 
keeper for  a few  days  while  you  had  under  Deliberation  the  Dis- 
patches We  sent  by  Barney,1  that  I might  have  listened  with  my 
Ear  at  the  Key  hole  and  overheard  your  Debates.  I fancy  some 
Members  will  be  of  opinion,  that  they  have  committed  a Mistake 
in  committing  the  Lamb  so  unreservedly  to  the  Custody  of  the 
Wolf.  If  Congress  are  not  betrayed  by  the  Want  of  Intelligence 
or  by  Misinformation  into  any  unseasonable  votes,  all  will  be 
very  well.  I should  not  wish  to  see,  any  other  vote  than  a simple 
Ratification  of  the  provisional  Treaty  of  the  30.  of  Nov.  1782. 
Yet  the  Departure  of  Barney  was,  by  various  means  partly  acci- 
dental and  partly  designed  so  long  delayed,  even  to  the  17  of 
January,  and  the  English  and  the  French  might  have  sent  the 

_ 1 The  preliminary  articles  of  peace.  Barney  commanded  the  Washington.  The  papers 
did  not  reach  Congress  until  March  12. 


208 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


News  in  their  own  Way  and  in  their  own  Colours  so  much  sooner, 
tho  We  know  not  that  they  did,  that  you  might  be  led  to  form 
opinions  upon  partial  Evidence.  You  may  well  suppose,  We  are 
anxious  to  know.  Not  a Word  from  any  Part  of  America,  directly 
or  indirectly  which  gives  cause  to  suppose  that  you  have  reed,  the 
News  even  of  the  Treaty  of  the  30.  of  Nov.  Nor  that  you  have 
reed,  the  Dutch  Treaty,  four  Copies  of  which  I put  on  board  four 
different  Vessells  at  Amsterdam  in  October.1  We  cannot  account 
for  the  failure  of  Arrivals  in  Spain,  France,  Holland,  so  absolutely 
without  supposing  an  Embargo. 

The  Treaty  with  Sweeden  is  made,2  Denmark  has  ordered  our 
Flag  to  be  respected  like  that  of  Republicks  of  the  first  order.3 
Portugal  has  done  the  same.4  The  Emperor  has  an  Inclination  to 
treat  with  Us  but  The  House  of  Austria  never  makes  the  first  Ad- 
vances. Mr.  Dana  has  announced  himself  to  the  Chancellor  Oster- 
man5  and  reed,  for  answer  that  the  Way  was  clear. 

Mr.  Fox  the  new  Minister  declares  his  good  dispositions  and  his 
Determination  to  finish  with  the  Utmost  Liberality.  Mr.  Hartly 
it  is  said  is  to  finish  with  Us,  and  the  Duke  of  Manchester  with  the 
other  Powers. 

Your  Son  is  said  by  some  to  have  gone  to  Italy  and  by  others 
to  have  embarked  for  America  from  Marseilles  where  he  has 
wisely  been  to  lay  the  foundation  of  Trade  and  Fortune. 

Our  young  Men  may  lawfully  make  their  Fortunes.  We  their 
Fathers  have  been  employed  in  preparing  the  Way.  I dont  know 
what  to  do  with  my  Boys,  however.  Affectionately  yours, 

J.  Adams 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Confidential , Paris,  April  13  th,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — I have  in  some  late  Letters  opened  to  You  in 
Confidence  the  Dangers,  which  our  most  important  Interests  have 

1 Adams’  letter  transmitting  the  treaties  was  dated  October  8,  1782,  and  reached 
Congress  January  21,  1783.  Two  days  later  the  treaty  with  the  Netherlands  was  ratified. 

2 Concluded  April  3,  1783. 

3 See  Revolutionary  Diplomatic  Correspondence  (Wharton),  vi.  261,  372. 

4 lb.,  480,  538.  5 Jean,  comte  d’Ostermann  (1724-1811). 


1783] 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


209 


been  in,  as  well  as  the  Opposition  and  Jealousy  and  Slanders, 
which  your  Ministers  have  met  with,  from  the  vain,  ambitious 
and  despotic  Character  of  one  Minister,  I mean  the  C.  de  Ver- 
gennes.  But  You  will  form  but  an  imperfect  Idea  after  all  of  the 
Difficulties  We  have  had  to  encounter,  without  taking  into  Con- 
sideration another  Character  equally  selfish  and  interested,  equally 
vain  and  ambitious,  more  jealous  and  envious,  and  more  false  and 
deceitful,  I mean  Dr.  Franklin. 

It  is  a saying  of  Algernon  Sidney  concerning  Sir  Walter  Raw- 
leigh,  that  “his  Morals  were  not  sufficiently  exact  for  a great 
Man.”  And  the  Observation  can  never  be  applied  with  more 
propriety  than  to  Dr.  Franklin.  His  whole  Life  has  been  one 
continued  Insult  to  good  Manners  and  to  Decency.  His  Son, 
and  Grandson,  as  he  calls  him  with  characteristic  Modesty;  the 
Effrontery  with  which  he  has  forced  these  his  Offspring  up  in 
the  World,  not  less  than  his  Speech  of  Polly  Baker,  are  Out- 
rages to  Morality  and  Decorum,  which  would  never  have  been 
forgiven  in  any  other  American.  These  things  however  are 
not  the  worst  of  his  Faults.  They  shew  however  the  Character 
of  the  Man;  in  what  Contempt  he  holds  the  Opinions  of  the 
World,  and  with  what  Haughtiness  he  is  capable  of  persevering 
through  Life  in  a gross  and  odious  System  of  Falsehood  and  Im- 
posture. 

A sacred  regard  to  Truth  is  among  the  first  and  most  essential 
Virtues  of  a public  Man.  How  many  Kings  have  involved  them- 
selves and  their  Kingdoms  in  Misfortunes,  by  a Laxness  in  this 
particular?  How  much  Mischief  has  been  done  in  all  Ages  by 
Ministers  of  State,  who  have  indulged  themselves  in  a Duplicity 
and  Finesse,  or  in  other  Words,  in  an  Ilipocrisy  and  Falsehood, 
which  some  are  even  abandoned  enough  to  recommend  and  pre- 
scribe to  Politicians,  but  which  never  yet  did  any  thing  but  Harm 
and  Mischief.  I am  sorry  to  say,  but  strict  and  impartial  Justice 
obliges  me  to  say,  that  from  five  complete  Years  of  Experience  of 
Dr.  Franklin,  which  I have  now  had  in  Europe,  I can  have  no 
Dependence  on  his  Word.  I never  know  when  he  speaks  the 
Truth,  and  when  not.  If  he  talked  as  much  as  other  Men,  and 
deviated  from  the  Truth  as  often  in  proportion  as  he  does  now, 


2 10 


U^arren  -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


he  would  have  been  the  Scorn  of  the  Universe  long  ago.  But  his 
perpetual  Taciturnity  has  saved  him. 

It  would  be  Folly  to  deny,  that  he  has  had  a great  Genius,  and 
that  he  had  written  several  things  in  Philosophy  and  in  Politicks, 
profoundly.  But  his  Philosophy  and  his  Politicks  have  been 
infinitely  exaggerated,  by  the  studied  Arts  of  Empiricism,  until 
his  Reputation  has  become  one  of  the  grossest  Impostures,  that 
has  ever  been  practised  upon  Mankind  since  the  Days  of  Mahomet. 

A Reputation  so  imposing  in  a Man  of  Artifice  and  Duplicity, 
of  Ambition  and  Vanity,  of  Jealousy  and  Envy,  is  as  real  a 
Tyranny  as  that  of  the  Grand  Seignior.  It  is  in  vain  to  talk  of 
Laws  of  Justice,  of  Right,  of  Truth,  of  Liberty,  against  the 
Authority  of  such  a Reputation.  It  produces  all  the  Servility  of 
Adulation,  all  the  Fear,  all  the  Expectation  and  Dependence  in 
common  Minds,  that  is  produced  by  the  imposing  Pomp  of  a 
Court  and  of  Imperial  Splendour.  He  had  been  very  sensible  of 
this,  and  has  taken  Advantage  of  it. 

As  if  he  had  been  conscious  of  the  Laziness,  Inactivity  and 
real  Insignificance  of  his  advanced  Age,  he  has  considered  every 
American  Minister,  who  has  come  to  Europe,  as  his  natural 
Enemy.  He  has  been  afraid  that  some  one  would  serve  his 
Country,  acquire  a Reputation,  and  begin  to  be  thought  of  by 
Congress  to  replace  him. 

Sensible  that  his  Character  has  not  been  so  much  respected  in 
America  as  in  Europe,  he  has  sought  an  Alliance  to  support  him 
with  Mr.  de  Sartine  and  the  C.  de  Vergennes  and  their  “Autours” 
— Satellites.  It  is  impossible  to  prove,  but  from  what  I know  of 
him,  I have  no  doubt,  that  he  is  the  Man,  who,  by  means  of  the 
Emissaries  or  Satellites  just  alluded  to,  made  to  those  Ministers  all 
the  malicious  Insinuations  against  Mr.  Lee  and  Mr.  Izard,  which, 
altho’  absolutely  false  and  groundless,  have  made  as  much  Noise 
in  the  World,  and  had  almost  the  same  Effects,  as  if  they  had  been 
true.  From  the  same  detestable  Source  came  the  Insinuations  and 
Prejudices  against  me,  and  the  shameless  abandoned  Attack  upon 
me,  the  History  of  which  You  know  better  than  I.  Hence  too  the 
Prejudices  against  Mr.  Dana,  Mr.  Jay  and  every  other.  These 
are  my  Opinions,  tho’  I cannot  prove  them,  otherwise  than  by 


1783] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


2 1 1 


what  I have  seen  and  heard  myself,  what  results  from  a long 
Series  of  Letters  and  Transactions,  and  what  I know  of  the  Char- 
acters of  the  Men.  The  C.  has  had  his  Head  filled  with  so  many 
Prejudices  against  others,  and  in  favor  of  him,  and  has  found  him 
so  convenient  a Minister,  ready  always  to  comply  with  every 
Desire,  never  asking  any  thing  but  when  ordered  and  obliged  to 
ask  for  Money,  never  proposing  any  thing,  never  advising  any 
thing,  that  he  has  adopted  all  his  Passions,  Prejudices  and  Jeal- 
ousies, and  has  supported  him,  as  if  his  own  Office  depended  upon 
him.  He  and  his  Office  of  Interpreters  have  filled  all  the  Gazettes 
of  Europe  with  the  most  senseless  Flattery  of  him,  and  by  means 
of  the  Police  set  every  Spectacle,  Society,  and  even  private  Club 
and  Circle  to  clapping  him  with  such  Applause,  as  they  give  to 
Opera  Girls.  This  being  the  unfortunate  Situation  of  foreign 
Affairs,  what  is  to  be  done? 

Franklin  has,  as  he  gives  out,  asked  Leave  to  resign.  He  does 
not  mean  to  obtain  it,  but  to  save  the  Shame  of  being  recalled. 
I wish  with  all  my  Soul  he  was  out  of  public  Service,  and  in  Retire- 
ment, repenting  of  his  past  Life,  and  preparing,  as  he  ought  to  be, 
for  another  World.  But  as  the  Peace  is  made,  and  he  is  old,  and  it 
will  make  a horrid  Wonder  in  the  World  to  remove  him,  and  it 
would  be  impossible  to  publish  the  whole  Truth  in  Justification  of 
it  to  the  People  of  America  as  well  as  of  Europe,  perhaps  it  may 
be  as  well  to  let  him  alone.  But  at  least  Congress  should  firmly 
and  steadily  support  their  other  Ministers  against  his  insidious 
Manouvres.  They  should  add  no  more  Feathers  to  his  Cap. 
This  will  however  be  difficult.  He  will  watch  Opportunities,  and 
French  Influence  will  forever  aid  him,  and  both  will  be  eternally 
attacking  openly  and  secretly  every  other  Minister.  So  that  I 
am  persuaded  he  will  remain  as  long  as  he  lives,  the  Demon  of 
Discord  among  our  Ministers,  and  the  Curse  and  Scourge  of  our 
foreign  Affairs. 

France  has  suffered  as  much  as  America,  by  the  unskilful  and  dis- 
honest Conduct  of  our  foreign  Affairs.  They  have  had  no  Confi- 
dence in  any  but  him,  and  he  either  knew  nothing  or  cared  noth- 
ing about  Affairs.  They  have  not  only  not  confided  in  any  other, 
but  they  have  persecuted  every  other.  By  which  Means  France 


2 12 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


has  not  derived  half  the  Advantage  from  the  Alliance  in  the 
War,  nor  will  She  hold  half  the  Benefit  after  the  Peace,  which 
She  might  have  done,  if  She  had  vouchsafed  to  hearken  to  the 
Advice  of  those,  who  would  have  given  it  honestly  and  wisely. 

To  enter  into  the  contemptible  detail  of  all  the  unworthy 
Artifices,  the  Follies  and  Impositions,  that  have  been  the  Fruit 

of  these  Characters;  the  “petit  Commerce”  of  and  

and 1 the  Arts  in  Holland,  Spain,  Russia,  Sweeden,  Den- 

mark and  all  the  rest  of  Europe,  to  prevent  the  progress  of 
our  Cause,  and  defeat  our  Negociations;  to  straiten  in  the  Article 
of  Money,  and  distress  Us  in  the  War;  to  keep  Us  humble,  tame 
and  dependent;  to  strip  Us  of  the  Fishery  and  Western  Lands, 
the  Millions  of  Affronts,  Neglects,  Contempts,  or,  in  one  French 
Word,  “Desagremens,”  which  have  been  put  upon  the  Servants 
of  Congress,  would  fill  Volumes. 

The  Moral  and  the  Politick  of  all  is,  “See  with  your  own  Eyes, 
judge  with  your  own  Understanding,  repeal  every  shackling  In- 
struction to  your  Ministers,  support  them  inflexibly  against  all 
foreign  Influence,  and  all  little  spiteful  Intrigues.” 

For  my  own  part,  I have  been  made  a Sacrifice  to  such  Intrigues 
in  so  gross  a manner,  that  unless  I am  restored  and  supported, 
I am  unalterably  determined  to  retire.  So  resolves  your  invariable 
Friend, 

J.  Adams  2 

[Note.]  Paris,  16  April.  Delivered  to  Capt.  Adam  Hoops  of 
Philadelphia,  who  was  bound  to  Nantes  to  embark  for  America. 

x Blanks  in  the  original. 

2 Illiberal  as  this  and  the  following  letter  now  seem  to  be  there  was  good  reason  at  the 
time  to  suspect  the  attitude  and  measures  of  France.  It  was  the  cordial  relations  existing 
between  Franklin  and  the  Court  of  France  that  aroused  the  suspicions  of  Adams;  Lafayette, 
as  a Frenchman  of  influence  at  the  Court  would  naturally  be  placed  in  the  same  class.  In 
the  light  of  subsequent  events  it  is  recognized  that  Franklin  was  on  the  whole  the  better 
interpreter  of  the  French  view,  but  the  efforts  of  Jay  and  Adams  to  counter  the  extreme 
aims  of  France  in  the  peace  were  needed  and  did  conserve  the  interests  of  the  United  States. 
It  is  as  absurd  to  believe  that  Franklin  entertained  any  sentiments  hostile  to  American  in- 
terests as  it  is  to  assume  that  Adams  would  intentionally  yield  one  iota  of  what  he  consid- 
ered to  be  American  rights.  Both  men  were  earnest  patriots,  serving  their  country  loyally; 
but  Adams  expressed  his  views  freely  and  frankly  and,  while  he  makes  history  interesting, 
he  suffers  by  comparison  with  Franklin’s  “taciturnity.” 


1783] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


213 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Paris,  April  16,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — It  is  my  duty  to  unbosom  myself  to  some  Friend 
in  Congress  upon  whose  discretion  I can  rely,  and  there  is  none  to 
whom  I can  do  it  with  more  Propriety  than  to  you  of  whose 
Patriotism  and  Friendship  I have  had  so  long  Experience. 

We  are  at  Peace,  but  not  out  of  Danger.  That  there  have  been 
dangerous  Designs  against  our  real  Independence,  if  not  against  our 
Union  and  Confederation,  is  past  a doubt  in  my  mind,  and  we  have 
cause  to  fear  that  such  designs  may  be  revived  in  various  shapes. 
Europe  is  generally  sensible  that  the  United  States  in  half  a Century 
will,  if  they  keep  together,  give  the  Tone  to  the  World.  This  is  not 
a flattering  Idea  to  them,  and  we  may  depend  upon  [it]  there  will 
be  a succession  of  vain  Politicians  who  will  maneuvere  to  break  Us. 

Let  me  beg  of  you  to  look  up  some  old  Papers  in  Mr.  Thomp- 
son’s office,  I mean  the  Contracts  entered  into  with  Monsieur  de 
Coudrai  and  other  French  officers,  the  M.  de  la  Fayette  among 
others,  by  Mr.  Deane,  and  Mr.  Deane’s  Letters.  If  De  Coudrai 
had  been  made  Major  General  older  than  Green,  with  the  com- 
mand of  the  whole  artillery  and  all  military  Manufactures,  sub- 
ject only  to  the  Command  of  Congress  and  the  Commander  in 
Chief,  and  if  the  Marechall  M.  had  been  that  Commander  in  Chief 
as  was  proposed,  what  would  have  been  the  Situation  of  our  Army 
and  Country!  in  whose  Power  should  we  have  been?  Pursue  the 
History  of  our  foreign  affairs  from  that  time  to  this  and  see  if  all 
has  been  right,  See  if  we  have  not  motives  enough  to  think  of 
standing  on  our  own  Legs  and  judging  for  ourselves. 

The  Marquis  de  la  Fayette  is  an  amiable  Nobleman  and  has 
great  Merit.  I enjoy  his  Friendship  and  wish  a Continuance  of  it; 
But  I will  conceal  nothing  from  you.  I see  in  that  Youth  the  seeds 
of  Mischief  to  our  Country  if  we  do  not  take  Care. 

He  was  taken  early  into  our  Service  and  placed  in  an  high 
Command,  in  which  he  has  behaved  well,  but  he  has  gained  more 
applause  than  human  nature  at  twenty-five  can  bear.  It  has  in- 
kindled  in  him  an  unbounded  Ambition  which  it  concerns  Us 
much  to  watch. 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


214 


The  Instructions  of  Congress  to  their  foreign  Ministers  to  con- 
sult with  him  was  very  ill  judged;  it  was  lowering  themselves  and 
their  Servants.  There  is  no  American  Minister  who  would  not 
have  been  always  ready  and  willing  to  consult  with  him;  but  to 
enjoin  it  and  make  it  a Duty,  was  an  humiliation  that  would 
astonish  all  the  World  if  it  was  known.  Your  Ministers  will  never 
be  respected,  never  have  any  Influence,  while  you  depress  them  in 
this  manner.  Every  Frenchman  of  Course  who  knows  it,  and 
enough  do  know  it,  will  consider  your  Servants  as  mere  Instru- 
ments in  their  hands.  If  Dr.  Franklin  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Laurens,  Mr. 
Dana,  have  occasion  for  the  Advice  of  the  Marquis,  it  would  be 
wonderfull.  It  may  be  said  that  he  is  a convenient  Go-between.  I 
say  for  this  very  Reason  it  should  have  been  avoided.  There 
ought  to  be  no  Go-between.  Your  Ministers  should  confer  di- 
rectly with  the  Ministers  of  other  Powers,  and  if  they  choose  at 
any  time  to  make  Use  of  a third  Person,  they  ought  to  choose  him. 

The  Marquis  may  live  these  fifty  years.  Ten  years  may  bring 
him  by  the  order  of  Succession  to  the  Command  of  your  Army. 
You  have  given  him  a great  deal  too  much  of  Popularity  in  our 
own  Country.  He  is  connected  with  a Family  of  vast  Influence  in 
France.  He  rises  fast  in  the  French  Army.  He  may  be  soon  in  the 
Ministry.  This  Mongrel  Character  of  French  Patriot  and  Ameri- 
can Patriot  cannot  exist  long,  and  if  hereafter  it  should  be  seriously 
the  Politicks  of  the  French  Court  to  break  our  Union,  Imagination 
cannot  conceive  a more  Proper  Instrument  for  the  Purpose  than 
the  Marquis.  He  is  now  very  active,  everlastingly  busy,  ardent  to 
distinguish  himself  every  Way,  especially  to  increase  his  Merit 
towards  America,  aiming  as  I believe  at  some  Employment  from 
Congress.  Pains  are  taken  to  give  him  the  Credit  of  every  Thing, 
believe  me  it  is  of  infinite  Importance  that  you  yourselves  and 
your  Servants  should  have  the  Reputation  of  their  own  Measures 
and  of  doing  your  Service. 

I know  the  Confederation  of  our  States  to  be  a brittle  Vessell, 
I know  it  will  be  an  object  of  Jealousy  to  France.  Severe  strokes 
will  be  aimed  at  it;  if  We  are  not  upon  our  Guard  to  ward  them  off, 
it  will  be  broken  and  what  a scene  of  Misery  to  our  Country  does 
this  Idea  open. 


1783] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


2 1 5 


Amidst  all  the  Joys  of  Peace  and  the  glorious  Prospect  before 
Us  I see  in  Europe  so  many  Causes  of  Inquietude  that  I cannot  be 
longer  easy  without  laying  my  Thoughts  open  to  a friend.  I have 
freely  hinted  at  the  Characters  which  have  given  me  unutterable 
Distress,  because  they  have  endangered  and  dishonoured  our 
Country,  and  I now  give  you  my  apprehensions  of  another. 

Our  Country  is  a singular  one.  It  is  a Temple  of  Liberty  set 
open  to  all  the  World.  If  there  is  anything  on  Earth  worthy  of 
being  contended  for  it  is  this  glorious  object.  I never  had  thro  my 
whole  Life  any  other  Ambition  than  to  cherish,  promote  and  pro- 
tect it,  and  never  will  have  any  other  for  myself  nor  my  children. 
For  this  object  however  I have  [endured]  as  much  as  any  Con- 
queror ever  had;  for  this  I have  run  as  great  Risques  and  made  as 
great  Sacrifices  as  any  of  the  pretended  Heroes  whose  object  was 
Domination  and  Power,  Wealth  and  Pleasure.  For  this  I have 
opened  to  you  Characters  with  Freedom  which  it  is  to  me  per- 
sonally dangerous  to  touch,  but  it  is  necessary  and  come  what  will 
I will  not  flinch.  These  People  know  me,  they  know  I stand  in 
their  Way,  and  therefore  you  will  hear  of  insinuations  enough 
darkly  circulated,  to  lessen  me  at  home.  I care  not.  Let  me  come 
home  and  tell  my  own  story  your  Frd. 

J.  Adams 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  May  4th,  1783 

Sir,  — Did  not  the  stronger  motive  of  friendship  excite,  I think 
the  Gratitude  due  from  each  individual  of  your  Country  would 
be  a stimulus  sufficient  to  set  the  pen  in  motion.  Urged  by  such 
Laudable  principles  an  apology  for  calling  aside  your  Attention 
from  objects  of  Greater  Magnitude  is  unnecessary.  And  if  I am 
the  Last  to  Congratulate  you  on  the  success  of  your  Negotiations, 
I will  venture  to  say  I am  not  the  Least  sensible  of  their  impor- 
tance. and  among  the  Multitude  of  your  friends  you  have  few  who 
enjoy  more  pleasure  in  your  Triumph  over  your  Enemies,  or  in 
that  Firmness,  Intrepidity,  and  Perseverance  that  at  once  ob- 


216  JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1783 


tained  it  and  secured  the  Claims  of  America  on  a Basis  that 
promisses  Wealth  and  Honor  (and  if  not  incompatible)  I will  add 
Happiness  to  posterity. 

And  do  you  think  now,  sir,  to  retire  to  sit  down  Quietly  and 
enjoy  the  sweets  of  Domestic  life.  No.  Never,  till  Weary  Nature 
diminishes  your  Capacity  for  acting  in  the  sphere  of  Dignified 
Difficulty,  you  was  not  made  for  the  purpose  of  Resting  in  the 
cool  sequestered  shade  of  life,  it  is  yours  to  tread  the  bold  and 
craggy  path  of  politics,  to  Counteract  the  Intrigues  of  statesmen 
and  Princes,  to  settle  the  Boundaries  of  Nations  and  mark  the  line 
of  Empire,  and  what  is  more  difficult  to  Atchieve,  to  convince 
Mankind  that  probity  is  the  surest  Road  to  Honour. 

A people  destitute  of  public  or  private  Virtue  cannot  be  long 
Happy  by  the  Exertions  of  a few  of  the  best  or  Wisest  of  her  Citi- 
zens. Yet  I believe  the  Example  of  one  Good  Man  unawTed  by 
threats,  uncorrupted  by  Gold  and  unmoved  by  the  Machinations, 
Refinements  and  Duplicity  of  systematical  Villany,  has  a Greater 
tendency  to  keep  alive  the  Respect  due  to  Real  Merit  than  either 
judiciary  Restraints  or  the  best  digested  Code  of  Moral  injunction. 

I feel  myself  disposed  to  Loquacity  (Nothing  Novel  in  my  pen) 
but  least  the  subject  before  me  should  betray  me  into  some  Ex- 
pressions that  might  bear  the  semblance  of  Flattery,  instead  of 
that  just  mean  of  applause  due  to  Distinguished  Worth,  I leave 
all  Panegirick  to  the  Historian  and  the  Poet.  And  in  the  simple 
familiar  style  of  unadorned  Friendship,  inquire  whether  the  Amer- 
ican Minister  at  the  Hague  Received  several  Letters  under  the 
signature  of  Marcia,  and  if  the  Cold  Phlegmatic  Dutchman,  more 
Honest  than  polite,  Delayed  a return,  surely  the  influence  of  a 
Milder  Clime  will  soften  to  Condesention,  and  the  Ettiquette  of 
Varsellies  and  Paris  forbid  such  an  affront  to  a Lady. 

Therefore  I shall  peep  as  eagerly  into  the  next  paket  as  an 
inspector  to  a Plenipo,  for  a Letter  Directed  to  one  who  asks  not 
forgiveness  for  these  short  interruptions,  the  little  interludes  of 
common  Life  Give  fresh  Exhileration  to  the  spirits  and  fill  up  the 
Vacant  Moment  when  the  mind  is  Worn  down  by  the  Higher 
Avocations  to  Bussiness,  or  Fatigued  by  the  parade  of  Courts  and 
the  pomp  and  Glare  of  Grandeur. 


1783] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


217 


Political  connexions,  the  state  of  parties  and  the  Internal  Feuds 
in  your  Beloved  Country,  you  doubtless  have  through  the  hands 
of  more  Interested  Observers.  And  if,  through  the  Inattention  of 
public  or  the  Negligence  of  private  Men  you  have  not  all  the  In- 
telligence you  might  Expect,  you  have  Every  thing  Worthy  of 
your  Notice  from  a quarter  that  Enhances  the  Value  of  the  Com- 
munication. 

I therefore  only  add  that  your  American  Friends  wish  most 
Ardently  to  see;  that  the  Friends  of  America  wish  your  Residence 
in  Europe,  and  that  wherever  you  Reside,  or  whatever  is  your 
Mode  of  Life  an  affectionate  prayer  for  your  Happiness  will  be 
Breathed  from  the  Lips  of,  Sir,  your  assured  Friend  and  Humble 
servant 

M.  Warren 

P.S.  Please  to  make  particular  Compliments  to  the  American 
Gentlemen  of  my  acquaintance.  A Letter  from  Mr.  J[ohn]  in  the 
high  style  of  Russian  politeness  would  be  very  pleasing  to  his 
young  Friends  on  Milton  Hill. 

May  9th.  Mr.  Warren  expecting  a more  direct  opportunity 
soon  will  write  you  Largely,  this  will  be  handed  you  by  a Mr. 
Watson  1 of  Marblehead,  formerly  of  Plimouth,  who  wishes  for  an 
opportunity  to  wait  on  you. 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  June  24th,  1783 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I thank  you  for  your  Letters  of  the  6th  Sep- 
tember and  15th  December  and  should  have  done  it  long  before 
now,  but  I expected  to  do  it  viva  voce  at  Braintree  or  Milton,  in  the 
Month  of  June  at  furthest,  but  as  that  may  probably  be  postponed 
to  November,  I will  not  loose  another  Opportunity  of  writing  to 
you  and  especially  so  good  an  one  as  this  by  the  America.  I con- 
gratulate you  on  the  Peace  and  the  honourable  Share  you  have 
had  in  making  it.  they  both  give  me  pleasure.  Your  Countrymen 

1 Elkanah  Watson. 


TVarren- Adams  Letters  [1783 


218 


at  present  feel  and  express  their  Gratitude  for  your  Conduct  on 
this  occasion,  and  those  that  have  lead  to  it,  and  if  you  return  soon 
you  may  enjoy  it  but  it  is  not  a permanent  plant  in  your  Country 
at  least  in  every  Instance,  every  Body  thinks  the  Terms  honour- 
able on  our  part,  and  quite  equal  to  the  most  sanguine  Expecta- 
tions and  yet  every  Body  is  not  pleased,  had  such  an  Event  taken 
place  in  1778,  we  should  have  received  it  with  Extacy,  every  Body 
would  have  rejoiced  without  any  other  Exception  than  the  Tories, 
but  we  love  Money  now  better  than  we  did  then,  the  Farmer  cant 
bear  to  see  the  fall  of  his  produce,  and  the  Merchant  regrets  that 
there  is  an  End  of  the  prospects  of  making  a fortune  by  a single 
Voyage.  Indeed  the  Contrast  is  great,  every  thing  is  getting  into 
its  old  Station.  European  Goods  have  got  below  it.  our  Harbours 
are  crouded  with  Ships.  Boston  and  Philadelphia  can  furnish 
those  Goods  as  cheap  as  London  or  Paris,  but  that  matter  will 
come  right  when  the  European  Merchants  have  paid  for  the 
Experiment  and  learn’d  to  leave  the  Importation  of  Goods  here 
to  our  Merchants. 

I suppose  you  are  now  engaged  in  the  Treaty  of  Commerce  with 
Britain,  shall  we  have  the  Transport  Trade  as  before  from  the 
West  Indies,  to  enable  us  to  get  our  Ships  to  Market,  that  is  a 
matter  of  Importance  to  this  State,  and  perhaps  more  so  to  New 
Hampshire.  The  other  States  will  be  Indifferent  which  way  it  is 
decided,  and  some  of  them  will  prefer  our  being  Excluded  from  it, 
because  they  may  get  their  Goods  to  Market  cheaper  if  our  Ships 
have  nothing  else  to  do.  The  English  Islands  cannot  be  Indiffer- 
ent. if  we  cannot  carry  their  freights  they  must  pay  dear  for  our 
Lumber  on  one  hand  while  freight  may  rise  on  the  other,  but  if 
Britain  should  think  it  right  to  confine  that  Business  to  their  own 
Ships,  they  cant  complain  if  we  do  the  same  with  regard  to  the 
Transport  of  Tobacco,  rice,  oil,  etc.,  etc.;  for  if  the  cases  are  not 
exactly  similar  they  are  near  enough  for  policy  to  accomodate  the 
same  measures  to. 

The  Tories  in  all  parts  of  America  reprobate  the  Article  that 
relates  to  their  Brother  refugees  and  say  it  would  have  been  better 
for  them  if  no  mention  had  been  made  of  them,  while  it  gives  some 
Uneasiness  to  the  Whiggs  who  think  it  may  produce  dissensions 


1783] 


barren  -Adams  Letters 


219 


among  us,  especially  if  any  of  them  are  admitted,  our  Papers  will 
by  the  Instructions  to  Representatives  from  several  Towns,  give 
you  an  Idea  of  the  Temper  and  Sense  of  the  People  on  this  head, 
the  only  one  that  both  sides  agree  in  Excepting  to  and  wishing 
Obliterated,  but  let  it  remain,  it  is  best  we  should  not  have  every 
thing  we  wish  for,  and  it  is  a Trifle  in  Comparison  of  those  great 
Acquisitions  we  have  secured,  if  we  could  have  foreseen  this 
period  and  this  state  of  things  it  would  have  made  us  happy  ten 
years  ago.  it  would  certainly  have  saved  you  and  I many  an 
anxious  day  and  night,  but  flattering  as  our  present  prospect  is,  I 
agree  with  you  it  is  to  be  ascribed  to  the  Providence  of  God,  and 
that  we  have  much  yet  before  us.  if  we  do  not  improve  our  pres- 
ent Advantages  they  may  not  make  us  happy,  but  how  are  we  to 
guard  against  “the  Contagion  of  European  Manners,  and  that 
Excessive  Influx  of  Commerce,  Luxury  and  Inhabitants  from 
abroad  which  will  soon  Embarrass  us.”  Commerce  will  flow  with 
an  irresistable  Tide.  Manners  and  Luxury  will  follow  of  course, 
and  Inhabitants  from  abroad  wanted  in  some  proportion,  it  will 
be  difficult  to  draw  the  Line  where  to  stop,  you  must  come  and 
help  us  do  the  Great  work,  we  want  a Chief  Magistrate  of  abili- 
ties. you  must  be  the  Man.  my  wish  is  to  see  it  and  you  will  be  if 
you  come,  you  can  hardly  conceive  the  Inconveniences  we  suffer 
from  the  Imbecillity  of  Administration  in  this  State,  and  yet  the 
Inchantment  is  too  strong  to  be  broken,  without  you.  the  neces- 
sity of  a Rotation  provided  for  in  the  Constitution  never  appeared 
more  evident,  but  even  the  Constitution  is  not  observed  with  that 
sacred  regard  it  should  be.  it  is  violated  upon  any  Occasion  to 

serve  a purpose.  Judge  S n 1 was  chosen  a Representative  for 

the  Town  of  Boston  after  being  an  Inhabitant  only  about  six 
Months,  and  the  House  have  declared  the  Election  Valid,  what 
security  is  there  for  the  remaining  parts  of  the  Constitution. 
Ways  and  Means  to  pay  our  Debts,  etc.,  are  the  principal  Objects 
of  Congress,  and  their  Legislatures.  Among  these  Imposts  and 
Excises  hold  the  first  place,  and  are  pursued  with  Enthusiasm. 
I wish  they  may  not  be  to  the  ruin  of  Commerce,  and  Liberty.  I 
have  too  much  to  say  to  you  on  this  subject  for  the  remaining  part 

1 James  Sullivan  (1744-1808). 


2 20 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1783 


of  this  Letter,  and  too  much  on  the  dangers  I apprehend  from  the 
Influence  and  Views  of  some  Men  at  and  about  Congress,  and  the 
trusting  that  or  any  Body  of  Men  with  a standing  revenue  out  of 
the  reach  of  our  own  Controul.  The  principal  and  Interest  of  our 
Debts  must  be  paid.  I cant  say  what  is  the  best  method  but  I 
think  it  would  be  best  to  assign  to  each  State  its  proper  proportion, 
and  let  them  do  it  in  their  own  way.  this  mode  is  not  without 
Objections  but  I think  it  the  safest. 

Mr.  Gerry  goes  to  Congress  this  week,  if  you  ask  why  I dont 
go,  I will  tell  you  because  I have  been  Sick  the  whole  Spring,  and 
dare  not  Venture  to  go  at  this  Season.  Mrs.  Adams  and  Nabby 
are  on  a Visit  at  Heverhill.  you  may  suppose  they  are  well,  and 
will  doubtless  have  it  under  their  hands  by  this  Opportunity. 
Mrs.  Warren  joins  in  Wishes  for  your  Health  and  prosperity,  our 
Good  wishes  extend  to  Mr.  Thaxter,  Mr.  Storer  and  your  Son. 
will  you  make  my  respectful  regards  to  your  Friend  Mr.  Jay.  I 
love  him  for  his  Friendship  for  you,  I honour  him  for  his  Probity 
and  Patriotism  in  the  Execution  of  his  Important  Commissions. 
I am  Sir  Your  Friend  with  Great  Esteem, 

J.  Warren 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

In  Congress,  Princeton,  Augt.  13,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — I had  the  honor  of  writing  to  Mrs.  Warren  relative 
to  Your  Son’s  object.1  I have  now  to  add  that  it  is  not  probable 
any  question  on  the  subject  will  come  on  ’till  the  new  delegation 
takes  place  of  the  present;  therefore  it  woud  be  prudent  to  impress 
them  before  they  leave  your  State,  in  his  favor. 

Our  removal  to  Philadelphia,  tho  much  urgd,  has  not  yet  been 
effected;  but  such  is  the  influence  of  art  and  cultivation  over  right 
and  judgment  that  I cannot  promise  a vote  will  not  at  length  be 
obtaind  for  that  pernicious  measure. 

Will  you  have  the  goodness  to  inform  me,  whether  any  thing  has 
been  done  relative  to  the  land  voted  to  me;  and  how  the  paper- 

1 Winslow  Warren  had  applied,  July  2,  1783,  to  be  appointed  consul. 


1783 ] IVarren -Adams  Letters  221 


money,  of  which  I troubled  you  with  a parcell  to  receive  the  inter- 
est, is  now  circumstancd.  Whether  it  is  funded,  has  depreciated  or 
appretiated? 

We  have  not  a word  from  any  Minister  in  Europe  relative  to  the 
definitive  treaty,  which  is  not  a little  surprising.  Mr.  Dana  was 
well  at  Petersburg  in  April,  when  he  informd  us  that  the  Empress 
would  not  receive  him  ’till  the  ratification  of  the  definitive  treaty, 
and  a new  Letter  of  credence  is  sent  dated  posterior  to  the  ac- 
knowlegment  of  our  Independence  by  the  british  Crown.1  This 
seems  to  be  an  over-delicacy.  Please  to  present  my  best  respects  to 
Mrs.  Warren,  Mrs.  J.  Adams,  Mr.  Bodwoine,  and  Mr.  S.  Adams. 
Farewell. 

A.  Lee 

John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Paris,  Septr.  io,  1783 

My  dear  Friend,  — I received  with  great  Pleasure  yours  of 
24.  June.  The  Approbation  of  my  Countrymen  is  a great  Pleasure 
and  Support  to  me  but  that  Approbation  does  not  extend  I fancy 
so  far  as  you  and  several  others  seem  to  imagine,  if  it  does  I am 
unfit  for  their  Purposes,  having  neither  Health  nor  Patience,  for 
the  arduous  and  trying  Duties  of  their  first  Magistrate,  an  honor 
too  high  and  a situation  too  delicate  for  me. 

A Residence  in  the  Massachusetts  is  the  desire  of  my  Soul,  and 
the  only  one  where  I can  enjoy  Life.  I still  hope  to  pass  my  Eve- 
ning, hastening  on  apace,  in  that  Country:  But  Congress  have 
tied  me  again  to  Europe  by  a new  Commission  so  honourable  to 
me,  as  to  have  really  touched  my  heart.2  Upon  a very  long  Letter 
of  mine  they  have  founded  this  Commission  and  have  owned  it, 
in  their  Journals.  Whoever  shall  compare  the  Letter  and  Com- 
mission together,  will  own  that  it  does  me  infinite  honour,  and 
ought  to  silence  forever  every  Complaint  on  my  part  for  what  is 
past.  I am  now  indifferent  who  goes  to  England,  but  still  think 
the  public  Good  requires  that  some  one  should  go. 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xxiv.  348, 

2 May  1,  1783,  Congress  had  appointed  Adams,  Franklin  and  Jay,  to  negotiate  a 
treaty  of  commerce  with  Great  Britain.  Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xxiv.  320. 


2 2 2 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


[1783 


We  shall  do  our  Utmost  Endeavour  to  secure  to  Massachusetts 
and  N.  Hampshire  a Way  to  Market  for  their  ships  through  the 
West  India  Islands.  But  N.  Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island  too, 
should  support  in  Congress,  those  Men  to  whom  if  to  any  body 
they  must  be  indebted,  for  this  Benefit,  and  not  sacrifice  them  to 
the  Vanity  of  another,  who  will  take  little  Pains  about  it,  who  is 
afraid  to  think  in  the  day,  for  fear  he  should  not  sleep  at  night, 
whose  whole  Time  and  thoughts  s[eem]  to  be  taken  up,  with  little 
clandestine  Projects  to  gratify  his  private  vanity  and  secure  to 
himself,  and  his  Name  exclusive  Reputation,  at  the  Expence  even 
of  others  who  do  real  Business  for  the  Benefit  of  the  public  and 
who  think  and  act  wholly  for  its  good. 

our  Navigation  will  be  materially  affected,  by  our  Treaties 
with  Denmark  and  Portugal,  which  Dr.  Franklin  has  been  secretly 
contriving  to  get  the  exclusive  Management  of,  as  he  did  that  of 
Sweeden.  N.  H.  and  R.  Island  shd  be  upon  their  Guard,  and 
join  others  in  this  Business  who  think  a little  about  it. 

Mr.  Dana  will  soon  be  with  you.  He  can  give  you  very  enter- 
taining and  instructive  Histories  not  of  Voyages  and  Travels 
alone,  but  of  Negotiations.  His  defeat  comes  from  the  same  source, 
very  secret  and  cunning,  but  very  malicious  to  every  Man  and 
every  Project,  calculated  for  the  public  Good.  This  one  Man 
seems  to  have  a positive  Spight  against  every  public  service,  that 
he  does  not  exclusively  perform  himself.  He  opposes  it  and  perse- 
cutes the  Agent  in  it  with  a Malice  and  Rancour  that  is  astonish- 
ing. I could  have  formed  no  Idea,  that  Jealousy  Envy  and  Vanity 
could  have  gone  such  Lengths. 

I think  our  Country  should  form  Treaties  with  the  Two  Em- 
pires, as  well  as  Denmark  and  Portugal,  to  these  should  be  added, 
Morocco,  Algiers,  Tunis  and  Tripoli,  perhaps  too  the  Kings  of 
Sardinia,  and  Naples,  one  Commission,  may  be  enough  for  all 
these  Purposes,  in  order  to  save  Expence.  But  this  Commission 
ought  not  to  be  given  to  one  alone  at  Paris,  when  three  are  obliged 
to  reside  there  on  another  Negotiation.  We  should  be  all  joined 
in  it,  and  when  We  have  completed  the  Business  We  may  all  go 
home. 

My  best  Respects  and  kindest  Regards  to  your  Family.  My 


1783] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


223 


Friend  Mr.  Otis,  seems  to  have  been  permitted  to  see  the  Building 
finished  which  he  framed,  and  then  taken  away  in  a manner 
equally  happy  and  distinguished.1  He  was  a favourite  of  Nature 
in  his  Genius  and  in  his  Death.  The  History  of  our  Country  I 
hope  will  do  Justice  to  this  great  Character.  With  great  Esteem, 
your  Frd.  and  Sert. 

J.  Adams 

John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Paris,  Septr.  10,  1783 

Madam,  — It  is  but  a very  few  days,  since  I received  your  Let- 
ter of  the  4.  of  May,  which  afforded  me,  as  your  Letters  always 
do,  a delicious  Entertainment.  Your  friendly  Congratulations, 
on  the  Success  of  my  feeble  Efforts,  are  very  agreable  to  me,  and 
very  obliging. 

You  say  that  I shall  never  retire,  till  weary  Nature  diminishes 
my  Capacity  of  acting  in  dignified  difficulty.  Give  me  leave  to 
say,  that  the  Period  is  already  arrived.  Nature  is  weary,  the 
Capacity  is  diminished  but  what  is  more  agreable  to  Think  of,  the 
dignified  difficulties  are  all  at  an  End.  I always  had  a Knack  at  a 
Difficulty.  My  Country  Clients  used  to  tell  me,  Mr.  Adams  is 
excellent  at  a difficult  Case,  and  having  a reputation  for  this  I was 
always  vexed  with  them.  Few  of  the  Race  of  Adam  have  had  more 
Difficulties  fall  to  his  share.  But  I consider  them  as  all  at  an  End 
in  a manner. 

Probity,  Madam,  would  be  not  only  the  surest,  but  the  only 
Road  to  honour  if  Mankind  were  not  deceived.  But  there  are  so 
many  Ways  of  cheating  and  imposing  upon  the  most  enlightened 
People,  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  keep  Steady  their  Appro- 
bation of  the  Just,  their  Contempt  of  the  Vile,  or  their  Abhorrence 
of  the  Wicked. 

I believe  I have  never  failed  to  Answer  a Letter  from  Marcia,  if 
I have  I was  very  much  to  blame,  and  very  inattentive  to  my  own 
Interest,  for  I prize  very  highly  her  Letters,  both  for  the  Pleasure 
and  Instruction  I derive  from  them. 

1 The  “Patriot.”  He  was  killed  by  lightning  May  23,  1783,  at  Andover. 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1783 


224 


I have  absolutely  got  above  all  Fatigue  from  Pomp  and  Parade, 
it  has  no  Effect  upon  me.  one  may  be  familiarized  to  any  Thing. 
My  house  stands  in  a very  public  Place  at  the  Confluence  of  Sev- 
eral, much  frequented  streets.  There  are  generally  half  a dozen 
Chariots  at  a Time,  rolling  by  upon  the  Pavements,  for  at  least 
one  and  twenty  hours  out  of  the  four  and  twenty  making  an 
incessant  Roar,  like  the  Falls  of  Niagara.  Yet  I dont  hear  it.  I 
write,  read,  etc.,  as  if  all  were  still.  The  imposing  Glare  of  a Court, 
at  present  has  as  little  Effect  on  me.  I am  as  insensible  to  it,  as 
an  Indian  would  be. 

I have  indeed,  Madame,  been  horridly  neglected  in  the  Article 
of  Intelligence.  I have  endeavoured  to  correspond  with  Members 
of  Congress,  but  before  my  Letters  could  reach  them  they  had 
retired.  I have  been  Shamefully  uninformed  of  what  has  passed 
at  Philadelphia  and  Boston.  But  I hope  for  better  Times. 

It  was  with  very  Affecting  Sentiments  that  I learned,  the  Death 
of  Mr.  Otis,  my  worthy  Master.  Extraordinary  in  Death  as  in 
Life,  he  has  left  a Character,  which  will  never  die,  while  the 
Memory  of  the  American  Revolution  remains,  whose  Foundations 
he  laid,  with  an  Energy,  and  with  those  masterly  Abilities  which 
no  other  Man  possessed. 

With  very  great  Respect  and  Esteem  I have  the  honor  to  be, 
Madam,  your  Sincere  Friend  and  very  humble  Servant, 

John  Adams 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Princeton,  Sepr.  17th,  1783 

My  dear  Sir,  — Not  having  expected  Mr.  Higgenson’s  1 going 
so  soon,  I have  but  a moment  to  write  you.  His  conduct  in  Con- 
gress has  been  that  of  an  able  and  upright  friend  to  his  Country; 
and  I therefore  much  regret  his  leaving  us.  He  will  communicate 
to  you  all  the  News  we  have  here.  My  private  Letters  give  me 
reason  to  expect  that  the  definitive  treaty  will  soon  arrive.2 

1 Stephen  Higginson  (1743-1828). 

2 The  treaty  was  laid  before  Congress  December  13,  1783. 


1783]  IVarren -Adams  Letters  225 


I have  thought  it  my  duty  to  move  Congress  for  information 
from  the  Super-intendant  of  Finance;  what  Cloathing  has  been 
purchased  with  the  public  money  and  why  the  Soldiers  have  not 
receivd  what  was  orderd  by  Congress.  The  Superintendant  has 
answerd,  that  he  does  not  know  what  has  been  purchasd,  and  that 
he  thought  it  was  more  proper  to  sell  the  Cloathing  than  distribute 
it  to  the  Soldiery.  In  laying  out  the  public  Money  Commissions 
accrue  to  his  friends,  in  selling  the  things  so  purchasd,  new  Com- 
missions arise  to  the  Sellers.  In  this  case,  it  is  his  Clerk,  Mr. 
Swanwick,1  who  is  to  have  this  emolument.  In  the  mean  time  the 
Soldiers  have  been  fifteen  months  without  their  cloathing  tho  two 
millions  of  dollars  have  been  taken  out  of  the  public  Coffers  for 
that  purpose.  Thus  while  fallacious  reports  on  this  man’s  conduct 
are  publishd  in  all  the  Papers,  and  his  tools  are  filling  the  Papers 
with  praises  calculated  to  deceive  the  public;  the  public  money  is 
lavishd  away,  the  Soldiery,  defrauded  and  the  public  plunderd. 
I wish  this  matter  were  stated  in  Your  Papers.  Those  of  Phila- 
delphia are  altogether  in  his  pay. 

I hope  the  location  of  my  Grant  is  made  and  well  made;  and 
shall  be  obligd  to  you  for  information  on  the  subject. 

I beg  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Warren  and  the  rest  of  your 
Family,  and  when  you  see  that  of  Mr.  Bodwoin,  that  you  will  have 
the  goodness  to  remember  me  to  them.  Farewell. 

A.  Lee 

P.S.  I enclose  you  the  motions  I made  relative  to  the  Soldier’s 
Cloathing,  with  the  short  speech  which  introducd  them,  together 
with  an  Account  of  the  Monies  said  to  have  been  laid  out  in  pur- 
chasing Cloathing,  but  not  accounted  for.  All  this  you  will  put 
into  the  Papers  if  you  see  fit. 

[Enclosure] 

Mr.  A.  Lee  having  in  his  place  stated  to  Congress  That  he  had  seen  a part  of  the 
Massachusetts  line  march  thro’  Princeton,  and  observing  that  the  Soldiers  were 
ill-cloathd,  and  knowing  that  much  larger  Sums  of  public  money  had  been 
chargd  as  laid  out  for  cloathing  than  woud  have  cloathed  the  whole  Army  com- 
pleatly,  and  that  by  a Resolve  of  Congress  the  Army  shoud  have  receivd  Cloath- 


1 John  Swanwick,  who  was  cashier  in  Morris’  firm. 


W^arren  -Adams  Letters  [1783 


226 


ing  once  a year;  he  enquird  of  the  Commanding  Officer  of  those  Troops,  how  it 
happend  that  the  Soldiers  were  so  ill  cloathd;  and  having  been  informd  by  him 
that  the  Soldiers  had  not  receivd  their  Cloathing  the  last  twelve  months,  but  that 
their  Uniforms  were  turnd  and  new  facd  — which  information  was  farther  con- 
firmd  by  a General  Officer  with  this  addition,  that  the  Soldiers  were  obligd  to  sell 
their  Certificates  at  Philadelphia  for  part  even  of  what  they  wore  — Mr.  A.  Lee 
thought  it  his  duty  to  his  Country  and  to  the  Soldiery  to  move  the  following 
Resolutions: 1 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

Princeton,  Oct.  16th,  1783 

Dear  Sir, — I receivd  your  favor  of  the  1st  by  last  post.  No 
day  is  fixd  for  entering  upon  the  business  of  Consuls,  and  it  seems 
the  opinion  of  some  that  no  minister  above  them  shoud  be  con- 
tinued in  Europe  unless  for  very  extraordinary  [reasons].  We 
tried  upon  another  occasion  to  obtain  a resolution  that  none  but 
Citizens  shoud  be  eligible  to  the  Office  of  Consul,  which  woud  have 
excluded  a great  number  of  Candidates.  But  we  lost  the  question.2 

The  attempts  to  get  us  into  Philadelphia  tho  strenuous,  have 
been  hitherto  resisted  and  I hope  will  continue  to  be  so,  or  I am 
satisfyd  we  shoud  have  the  most  ample  reason  to  rue  it. 

I enclose  you  a continuation  of  some  strictures  on  the  Phila- 
delphia Address,  which  I observe  were  printed  in  one  of  your 
Papers.  They  are  necessary  to  compleat  the  proof  of  the  impu- 
dence of  the  Addressers.  I shall  be  obligd  to  you  [to]  send  these 
to  the  same  Printer  that  he  may  insert  them  also. 

Please  to  make  my  respects  to  Mrs.  Warren,  and  remember  me 
to  your  Son.  Farewell. 

A.  L. 

Continuation  of  the  Strictures  in  a late  Address  to  Congress 

FROM  SOME  OF  THE  CITIZENS  OF  PHILADELPHIA  &C. 

Gentlemen,  — I had  the  honor  of  shewing  you,  in  my  former  Address  that 
what  some  of  your  Citizens  had  the  confidence  to  assert  in  their  Address  to 
Congress,  namely  — that  you  had  in  an  essential  manner  distinguish’d  your- 

1 The  resolutions  and  votes  are  printed  in  the  Journals  of  the  Continental  Congressl, 
xxv.  536. 

2 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  xxv.  620,  637. 


1783] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


227 


selves  by  every  exertion  which  principle  coud  inspire  or  fortitude  support  — was 
not  quite  consonant  to  truth.  That  measuring  your  exertions  with  your  means 
they  appeard  the  most  feeble  in  the  union.  That  tho’  essentially  distinguish d 
from  the  other  States  in  the  Union  by  the  vast  profits,  emoluments  and  advantages 
arising  from  the  residence  of  Congress  — their  treasury  — Officers  — and  the 
foreign  Ministers  among  you;  by  freedom  from  an  Enemy  or  Impress  among  you 
for  several  years;  prospering  in  agriculture,  trade,  and  commerce  — you  had  been 
almost  as  deficient  in  the  whole  of  your  contributions  as  those  States  which  were 
essentially  distinguishd  from  you  — by  the  devastation  of  their  fields  — the 
destruction  of  their  Capitols  — the  interruption  of  their  trade,  and  commerce  — 
and  by  all  the  calamities,  which  internal  war  can  bring  upon  a distressd  People. 

The  object  of  this  Address  will  be,  to  prove  to  you,  that  if  you  have  been 
justly  chargeable  with  defective  exertions  in  furnishing  your  quota  to  the  field,  and 
to  the  continental  treasury  your  alertness  in  taking  money  out  of  the  same  treasury 
for  state  purposes,  has  distinguishd  you  far  beyond  any  State  in  the  Union.  This 
fact  will  appear  most  clearly  from  the  following  view  drawn  from  the  journals  of 
Congress. 


Monies  Drawn  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  U.  S. 


By 

In  the 
year 
1775 

1776 

1778 

1779 

1780 

Total 

N.  Hampshire 

40,000 

177,500 

202,500 

27,000 

78,000 

525,000 

Massachusetts 

443  >3  3 3 

312,200 

813,000 

73,600 

1,642,133 

Rhode  Island 

120,000 

550,000 

316,000 

38,000 

1,024,000 

Connecticut 

12,500 

257,266 

174,000 

58,000 

501,766 

New- York 

50,000 

166,200 

101,000 

34,5oo 

1 1 ,000 

462,500 

N ew  J ersey 

5,000 

100,000 

297,500 

7,5oo 

2,000 

402,000 

Pensylvania 

14,000 

1,035,000 

473,600 

2,009,200 

2,500 

3,556,800 

Delaware 

Maryland 

3,100 

4,000 

98,738 

261,470 

816,000 

114,000 

7,100 

1,290,208 

Virginia 

95,333 

75,°2i 

323,000 

153,000 

648,354 

N.  Carolina 

12,400 

623,278 

159,808 

169,000 

954,746 

S.  Carolina 
Georgia 

5,100 

72,000 

570,276 

113,839 

2,500 

6,000 

181,000 

449,289 

754,746 

666,128 

From  this  it  is  plain,  that  for  five  years  of  the  war,  you  were  not  very  free  of 
your  fortunes,  but  exceedingly  liberal  of  your  drafts  on  the  Continental  Treasury, 
so  that  you  receivd  twice  as  much  as  Massachusetts  and  six  times  as  much  as 
Virginia.  Yet  these  States  are  to  redeem  a fifth  more  than  you.  If  we  take  the 
middle  of  each  year  for  reducing  the  Sums  taken  in  them  respectively,  we  shall 
find  the  whole  to  amount  to  — 1,152,848  hard  dollars,  which  you  have  taken  out 
of  the  United  Treasury;  and  you  boast  of  having  put  into  it  100,000. 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1783 


228 


The  error  then  of  the  Addressers  seems  to  be  this  — that  they  have  claimd  a 
general  pre-eminence  of  merit,  during  the  whole  war,  from  having  contributed  a 
little  more  money  than  most  of  the  States  in  the  Union,  during  the  last  year  of 
the  war.  But  surely  you  will  allow  it  to  be  just,  that  when  such  comparisons  are 
drawn,  they  shoud  flow  from  a view  of  the  sum  total  of  the  Contributions  of  each 
State  in  — Men,  Money,  and  Specifics,  during  the  whole  war,  deducting  the 
monies  they  drew  from  the  common  fund. 

When  you  are  forming  this  estimate,  I hope  you  will  not  forget,  what  I know 
from  having  servd  in  that  campaign,  that  at  the  close  of  the  year  1776,  when  the 
Enemy  threatnd  immediately  your  State  and  your  City,  the  State  of  Virginia 
alone  furnishd  two  thirds  of  the  Troops,  which  enabled  our  illustrious  General,  to 
execute  an  enterprize  against  the  Enemy’s  posts  in  the  Jerseys,  repelld  the  danger 
from  you  at  that  time  and  gave  an  ascendency  to  our  military  reputation  which 
it  never  lost.  Had  we  then  depended  on  the  boasted  exertions  of  a City,  containing 
forty  thousand  Inhabitants,  free  of  their  fortunes  and  their  lives,  as  the  Address 
says,  the  fact  shews  that  — in  the  most  pressing  danger  to  themselves  and  to  the 
Union,  they  woud  hardly  have  furnishd  Regulars  enough  to  have  attackd  a 
Picket  of  the  Enemy.  Yet  we  see,  that  in  the  same  year  your  State  drew  from  the 
public  treasury — 1,035,000  dlls  — when  paper-money  was  little  if  at  all  de- 
pritiated.  I shall  not  repeat  the  reasons  that  were  then  given,  for  your  not  making 
more  adequate  exertions.  Thefy]  did  no  honor  to  your  patriotism.  It  was  a mis- 
fortune that  revolution  principles  prevaild  so  little  among  you.  But  surely  you 
shoud  have  had  more  modesty,  remembering  those  circumstances,  than  to  have 
boasted,  that  you  were  distinguishd  for  doing,  what  you  were  in  fact  distinguishd 
for  not  doing.  I perceive  that  you  will  attempt  to  draw  some  source  of  defence, 
from  the  payments  you  have  made  since  the  close  of  the  year  1782,  which  I am 
informd  exceed  those  of  any  other  State.  But  let  it  be  rememberd,  that  the  pre- 
eminence which  the  residence  of  Congress  gave  you  in  the  eyes  of  Europe,  drew 
almost  the  whole  of  the  foreign  trade  to  your  City  on  the  cessation  of  hostilities; 
insomuch  that  it  is  matter  of  common  notoriety  that  in  a few  months,  the  duty  of 
2 pr  Ct  on  Imports,  brot  into  your  treasury  fifty  thousand  pounds.  So  that  the 
whole  of  your  contribution  very  little  exceeds  the  produce  of  a single  tax. 

The  same  cause  drew  to  you  many  rich  Emigrants,  who  have  deposited  large 
sums  of  specie  in  that  Bank,  which  the  public  money  raisd  in  your  City  for  your 
sole  emolument.  The  States  ought  to  order  an  enquiry  by  what  authority  so 
partial  a use  was  made  of  the  public  money,  while  several  of  them  were  laid  waste 
by  the  Enemy  for  want  of  Arms,  and  Ammunition  to  repel  them,  while  the  troops 
to  the  southward  were  destitute  of  Cloathing,  and  recruiting  their  lines,  was  for 
that  reason  renderd  impracticable. 

Having  now  fulfilld  the  purpose  with  which  I addressd  you,  Gentlemen,  I shall 
take  my  leave  with  recommending  to  you  that  modesty,  without  which  even 
merit  loses  its  lustre  and  its  beauty.. 


1783] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


229 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  October  27th,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  Favours  of  the  20th  and  21st  of  March,  and 
the  9th,  12th,  13th  and  16th  of  April,  have  come  safe  to  Hand,  but 
did  not  reach  me  till  this  Month,  and  found  me  on  this  Hill,  at 
Work  among  my  Potatoes,  instead  of  being  in  Congress  “at  the 
great  Wheel.”  Nor  do  I regret  this  on  my  own  Account.  I am 
quite  contented  with  a private  life,  and  my  Ambition  is  quite 
satisfied  by  excelling  in  the  perfection  of  my  Composts,  the  Cul- 
ture of  my  Lands,  and  in  the  Quality  and  Abundance  of  my  Crops; 
but  I own  I sometimes  wish  to  be  at  the  Wheel  to  serve  my  Coun- 
try, and  to  support  her  Friends,  and  my  Own,  who  I am  happy  to 
say  are  always  the  same,  and  never  more  than  since  I receiv’d 
your  Letters,  for  though  my  Ideas  with  regard  to  the  Politicks  and 
Conduct  of  the  French  Court,  were  in  general  right  before,  you 
have  certainly  given  me  some  new  Ones  with  regard  to  the  Folly 
of  our  Own.  from  this  Folly  (by  which  I mean  not  only  Weakness 
but  Corruption)  has  proceeded  all  the  Difficulties,  Embarrass- 
ments, Neglects,  and  even  Insults  that  you,  and  other  honest  Men 
have  suffer’d,  and  the  Dangers  this  Country  has  been  expos’d  to, 
and  from  which  it  has  by  the  Vigilance,  Industry,  and  Ability  of  a 
Few  been  rescued  with  Difficulty.  The  Foreign  Influence  (or  the 
French  and  Frankleian  Politicks)  which  produces  all  this  is  very 
extensive,  and  very  strong,  the  Traits  of  it  are  to  be  seen  every 
where,  in  Boston  as  well  as  Philadelphia,  but  to  be  sure  the  last  is 
the  Place  where  the  Focus  is  collected,  and  where  it  operates  with 
its  greatest  Force.  An  honest  Young  Gentleman  sent  there  to 
represent  his  Country,  and  who  feels  and  resents  with  Spirit  its 
Injuries,  in  a Fortnight  will  be  soften’d,  and  in  another  Week  be- 
come quite  Tame  and  Compliant.  Louisdores  must  have  a Share 
in  such  wonderful  Conversions,  and  I think  I can  observe  the 
Effects  of  them  at  Boston.  I am  told  that  Congress  since  they  left 
Philadelphia  have  acted  with  more  Freedom  than  before,  it  is  to 
be  wish’d  they  may  never  return.  This  Influence  is  greatly 
strengthened  by  an  Union  with  those  who  wish  to  Establish  an 
Oligarchy,  and  who  have  nearly  effected  it.  these  play  into  each 


230 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1783 


others  Hands,  and  by  their  joint  Efforts  bear  down  all  Opposition. 
Morris  is  a King,  and  more  than  a King.  He  has  the  Keys  of  the 
Treasury  at  his  Command,  Appropriates  Money  as  he  pleases, 
and  every  Body  must  look  up  to  him  for  Justice  and  for  Favour. 
When  Wilson  1 succeeds  as  Minister  for  Foreign  Affairs,  Fitz- 
williams  2 is  at  the  Head  of  the  Marine,  and  a Suitable  Person 
succeeds  Gen’l  Lincoln,  who  has  resign’d  the  War  Department,3 
when  he  shall  say  what  Number  of  Troops  shall  be  kept  up,  and 
have  an  Host  of  New  Placemen  to  collect  an  Impost  Mortgaged 
for  Twenty-five  Years,  he  will  have  us  all  in  his  Pocket;  It  is  this 
Alliance  that  makes  me  tremble,  the  Foreign  Influence  might  be 
destroy’d,  or  be  discourag’d  by  the  Expence,  or  ballanc’d  by 
Ministers  from  other  Courts,  especially  from  Britain,  but  if  this 
Oligarchal  System  is  not  Annihilated,  I think  our  Liberties  must 
be.  You  will  be  able  to  Judge  from  all  this  what  an  Influence 
Money  and  Fortune  give  a Man  in  this  Country,  especially  when 
you  recollect  the  Character  you  have  heard  given  of  this  Man,  and 
his  Abilities;  and  you  will  no  longer  wonder  at  the  want  of  In- 
telligence, because  much  is  to  be  done  to  accommodate  Matters  to 
their  System  before  it  is  given.  This  will  account  for  the  Revoca- 
tion of  the  Commission  for  a Treaty  of  Commerce,  however  fatal 
it  may  probably  prove  to  the  Interests  of  our  Country,  for  the 
wrong  Sentiments  prevailing  with  regard  to  Commerce,  and  for 
the  Plan  of  a Monopoly  now  subsisting  in  Favour  of  France  our 
disinterested  and  generous  Ally;  for  the  Obstructions  to  your 
Negotiations  in  Holland:  for  your  Instructions  at  different  Times, 
and  why  no  Appointment  has  been  made  to  the  Court  of  Great 
Britain,  and  for  the  ill  Conduct  of  our  Foreign  Affairs  in  All  re- 
spects. No  Appointment  is  yet  made  to  the  Court  of  Britain, 
because  your  Character  and  Conduct  is  so  unexceptionable  and 
good  in  the  Eyes  of  all  honest  Men,  and  the  People  in  General, 
that  they  dare  not  yet  treat  you  with  that  Neglect  that  is  con- 
sistent with  their  Views,  and  yet  they  can’t  wish  to  have  you  the 
Man.  thus  they  Jockey,  and  Play  into  each  others  Hands,  and 


1 James  Wilson  (1742-1798). 

2 Probably  Thomas  Fitzsimons  (1741-181 1)  is  intended. 

3 Lincoln’s  resignation  was  accepted  by  Congress  October  29. 


1783]  JVarren -Adams  Letters  231 


gratify  the  Court  and  the  Doctor.  I sincerely  with  all  the  Ardour 
of  Friendship  and  Patriotism  lament  your  want  of  Health,  and 
Support.  I have  pray’d  for  your  Health,  and  done  all  in  my  Power 
in  my  small  Circle  to  give  you  Support,  and  have  very  good 
Reasons  why  I have  not  given  it  in  a Place  where  it  might  have 
been  more  Efficacious.  I could  not  go  to  Congress  immediately  on 
my  Election  which  was  out  of  Season,  and  Unexpected,  and  before 
I had  an  Opportunity  I was  prevented  by  Sickness. 

What  shall  I say  about  your  coming  Home?  You  know  that  as 
a Friend  I wish  to  see  you.  Your  Country  wants  you  here.  Your 
Family  would  be  happy  to  have  you  return.  But  where  and  in 
what  Situation  should  we  have  been  if  you  and  Mr.  Jay  had  not 
been  in  Europe?  When  I form  an  Idea  of  it  I feel  like  a Man  that 
has  had  a Hair-Breadth  Escape  from  a Precipice.  Your  Delinea- 
tion of  the  Character  and  Views  of  a Young  Nobleman  is  exceed- 
ingly Just,  and  shews  in  a convincing  Light  the  wrong  policy  of 
our  Country  in  their  Instructions,  even  if  it  could  possibly  be  good 
Policy  to  let  down  and  humble  their  Ministers;  After  all  I don’t 
know  that  I detest  any  Character  more  than  that  of  the  Old  Man, 
who  is,  as  you  might  expect  your  determin’d  Enemy.  You  will  be- 
fore this  reaches  you  get  a paragraph  of  one  of  his  Letters,  which  if 
you  should  by  an  Interval  be  in  possession  of  your  right  Mind  will 
put  the  Matter  out  of  Doubt;  How  long  will  he  live?  and  if  he  lives 
how  long  can  he  be  able  to  preserve  the  good  Opinion  and  Confi- 
dence of  his  Country?  The  Bubble  must  burst  soon,  or  Mankind 
are  more  lost  to  Sentiment  and  Virtue,  than  I can  suppose.  I wish 
instead  of  being  a Door-Keeper  for  three  or  four  Days  you  could 
be  on  a Seat  in  Congress,  and  have  a full  Swing  in  developing  the 
Character  and  Conduct  of  this  Man,  and  descanting  on  the  false 
Politicks  of  your  Country.  I should  like  to  be  your  Colleague. 

With  regard  to  the  State  of  our  particular  Affairs,  Government 
here  is  in  the  same  Hands.  Our  Delegates  are  Gerry,  Partridge, 
Osgood,  Sullivan  and  Danielson  — the  Wisdom  of  our  Legislature 
have  left  out  Holton  and  Higginson  two  very  good  and  uncorrupt 
Men  for  the  sake  of  the  two  last.  The  great  Political  Object  that 
now  engages  the  Contemplation  of  the  Continent  is  the  Support  of 
Publick  Credit,  and  it  is  indeed  an  Object  worthy  their  serious 


232 


ILarren  -Adams  Letters  [1783 


Deliberations,  and  should  be  done.  The  Financier  proposes  an 
Impost  as  Part  of  the  Plan.  Congress  have  recommended  it  by 
their  Act.  Our  Assembly  in  the  present  Session  have  again  pass’d 
it,  but  by  a small  Majority  of  only  three  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, this  is  favorable  to  the  System  I have  describ’d.  I 
don’t  like  it  because  I think  it  injurious  to  Commerce,  and  danger- 
ous to  Publick  Liberty,  and  because  I think  a more  safe,  sure,  and 
easy  Way  may  be  devis’d  for  doing  it.  I am,  sincerely  Your  Friend 
and  most  Humble  Servant,  J.  Warren 

New-York  is  still  possess’d  by  the  Enemy,  the  Want  of  Trans- 
ports and  the  Safety  of  the  Loyalists  have  been  the  pretences  for 
delaying  the  Evacuation,  but  I think  they  are  now  seriously  pro- 
viding for  it,  and  I believe  it  will  be  done  soon.  Great  Quantities 
of  European  Goods  have  since  the  Peace  pour’d  in  upon  us  from 
every  Quarter,  and  most  of  them  in  Foreign  Bottoms;  but  the 
miserable  Market  they  have  come  to,  must  discourage  them  in 
future,  and  perhaps  work  a Cure  for  the  Evil,  and  leave  us  to  im- 
port for  ourselves,  and  on  our  own  Bottoms.  The  Abundance  of 
fine  Things  have  however  destroyed  the  Ideas  of  Frugality  which 
Necessity  had  before  given,  and  drain’d  us  of  our  Money  — how  a 
sufficiency  has  been  found  to  purchase  what  has  been  brought  us, 
is  beyond  my  Comprehension.  Our  Fisheries  the  last  Season  have 
for  want  of  Vessels  been  very  inconsiderable,  but  growing  fast  into 
Importance;  I suppose  the  Manufactory  of  Pot,  and  Pearl  Ashes 
will  soon  recover  their  former  Perfection,  and  that  the  Quantities 
of  Flax  Seed  will  this  Year  be  considerable.  Some  Emigrations 
from  the  Old  Countries,  chiefly  from  Ireland  have  been  made  to 
the  Southern  States,  but  none  have  arriv’d  here,  which  I wonder 
at;  a Moderate  Proportion  would  be  serviceable,  we  want  La- 
bourers, and  we  want  Occupiers  for  some  of  our  Vacant  Lands.  I 
don’t  like  the  predilection  they  shew  in  favour  of  the  Southern 
States.  The  immense  Territory  acquir’d  by  the  Treaty  of  Peace, 
and  the  ample  Provision  for  the  Extent  and  Security  of  our 
Fishery  gratify  the  most  sanguine  Wishes  of  your  Friends,  while 
your  Enemies  dare  not  deny  that  we  are  under  Providence  in- 
debted to  you  for  these  great  Acquisitions. 


1783] 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


233 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  November  15th,  1783 

My  Dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  which  went  in  a French  Brigan- 
tine by  way  of  Nantes,  Copy  of  which  you  have  above,  Nothing 
Material  has  taken  place,  except  a Resolution  of  Congress  to  erect 
Buildings  and  to  reside  alternately  on  the  Delaware  and  Potow- 
mack,  and  in  the  mean  Time,  they  have  adjourn’d  to  Annapolis 
on  the  1 2th  Instant,  this  is  consider’d  by  the  Patriots  as  a Tri- 
umph. Our  Friend  Gerry  thinks  the  Measure  will  have  Benefi- 
cial, and  Extensive,  Consequences,  and  particularly  that  it  will 
strengthen  the  Union,  and  Confidence  of  the  Southern  and  North- 
ern States;  It  will  at  least  embarrass  those  Measures  which  had 
been  so  successful  while  Congress  sat  at  Philadelphia,  and  which 
would  have  been  fully  executed  had  it  return’d  there  again.  The 
last  Ships  from  London  bring  us  Advices  that  the  definitive  Treaty 
was  sign’d  the  beginning  of  September  but  no  Official  Account  is 
yet  arriv’d,  nor  do  we  hear  any  Thing  of  the  Commercial  Treaty. 
I can  suppose  that  many  Difficulties  attend  that  Business.  Mr. 
Temple  who  goes  for  England  and  designs  to  go  also  to  France 
takes  this,  and  will  hand  or  forward  it  to  you.  I think  he  has  been 

used  here  very  hardly.  Our  G r and  his  Tools  have  been  the 

Immediate  Actors,  whether  their  Conduct  Originated  from  their 
Own  little,  narrow  Policy,  or  is  deriv’d  from  a higher  Source  I 
don’t  know  — for  my  Part  I have  not  a Single  Reason  to  suppose 
he  ever  did,  or  ever  wished  to  injure  this  Country,  and  he  certainly 
has  done  it  Service  in  some  Instances,  and  for  some  Cause  or 
other  has  suffer’d  greatly.  You  will  probably  see  him,  and  hear 
his  Account  of  the  whole  Matter; 1 His  principal  Views  in  going 
to  Europe  are  to  endeavour  to  get  from  the  present  Ministry  some 
compensation  for  the  Losses  he  sustain’d  by  a former  Administra- 
tion, and  to  see  and  bring  Dr.  Franklin  to  an  explicit  Declaration 
with  respect  to  the  Letters;  I wish  him  Success  in  both.  If  it  be 
convenient  for  you  to  give  him  any  Assistance,  you  will  in  my 
Opinion  do  Service  to  an  honest  Man,  and  oblige  those  who  think 

1 Temple’s  case  was  set  forth  by  himself  in  two  papers  described  in  Collections,  lxxv. 
2344,  2353- 


234 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [ 1783 


him  so.  Your  Lady  and  Daughter  spent  the  Day  with  us  Yester- 
day. You  will  probably  have  it  under  their  own  Hands  by  this 
Opportunity  that  they  are  well.  I am,  with  great  Respect,  Your 
Friend  and  Humble  Servant, 

J.  Warren 


Jabez  Bowen  to  James  Warren 

Providence,  Novmr.  26,  1783 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  Letter  of  the  26th  ulto.  came  safe  to  hand. 
I should  have  Answer’d  it  before  but  expected  to  have  given  you 
some  further  Account  of  the  Impost,  as  our  General  Assembly  was 
then  about  to  meet.  The  Session  was  short,  and  verry  little  Pub- 
lick  Business  done.  The  Assembly  now  stands  Prorogued  to  the 
fourth  Monday  of  December,  at  which  time  the  Question  will  be 
fully  discussed,  and  I doubt  not  but  the  Event  will  fully  answer 
your  wishes  notwithstanding  the  great  Intrest  that  is  continually 
making  to  push  it  thro’  from  a Certain  Quarter. 

Nothing  can  or  will  go  right  till  the  Publick  Accounts  are  set- 
tled. The  efforts  already  made  have  Cost  the  Nation  large  sums 
of  Money  and  no  progress  is  yet  made  in  the  Business  and  I 
have  Reason  to  believe  will  not  ’till  the  whole  Plan  of  Finance  is 
adopted. 

This  State  have  an  Impost  of  Two  pr.  Cent  on  all  Foreign 
Goods,  the  Nt.  proceeds  whereof,  are  appropriated  to  pay  the 
Intrest  on  the  States  Debt.  We  have  also  a Tax  now  Collecting 
to  pay  the  Intrest  on  Loan  Office  Certificates  and  other  Consoli- 
dated Debts  due  from  the  United  States  according  to  a Resolve 
of  Congress.  We  have  long  expected  an  Ordinance  of  Congress  for 
the  Keepers  of  the  Loan  Offices  to  Consolidate  all  the  Certificates 
and  give  Notes  for  One  Years  Intrest,  which  should  be  Received 
by  the  Collectors  in  Payment  of  the  said  Tax.  This  Measure  I am 
informd  is  perplexed  in  Congress  on  Purpose  to  keep  the  Publick 
Creditors  on  the  side  of  the  Ministerial  Plan.  How  do  you  ap- 
prove the  Resolve  for  establishing  Two  Federal  Towns,  Trentown 
and  George  Town  on  the  Potomock.  in  my  Opinion  they  have 


1784] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


235 


overturned  every  Argument  that  could  be  adduced  for  the  perma- 
nent Residence  of  Congress. 

By  what  I have  wrote;  you  will  conclude  I am  an  opposer  of  all 
the  Measures  Recommended  by  Congress.  I assure  you  it  is  far 
otherwise.  I am  for  abiding  by  the  Confederation  strictly,  it  has 
carri’d  us  Triumphantly  thro’  a long  and  Bloody  War,  and  where 
can  be  the  necessity  of  Investing  that  Body  with  more  extensive 
powers  in  a Time  of  Peace,  this  Doctrine  must  be  contrary  to  the 
Experience  of  all  Nations.  I wish  to  hear  that  all  Party  disputes 
are  Banished  from  Congress,  and  that  the  Honour  and  Happiness 
of  the  Nation  alone  takes  up  and  occupyes  their  whole  attention, 
then  may  we  hope  for  good  Days  indeed. 

We  expected  the  Pleasure  of  a Visit  from  you  and  your  good 
Lady,  but  the  cause  that  prevented  must  be  submitted  to.  we 
shall  hope  for  the  fulfilment  of  the  promise  when  the  Pleasant 
Season  for  Jorneing  returns. 

Mrs.  Bowen  presents  her  best  Compliments  to  Mrs.  Warren  and 
your  self,  you  will  both  please  to  Accept  myne.  also  Remember 
us  affectionately  to  the  Young  Gentlemen  Your  Sons,  and  Be- 
lieve that  I am  with  sentiments  of  the  greatest  Esteem  Your 
Obedient  and  verry  Humb  Servant, 

Jabez  Bowen 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Feby.  26th,  1784 

My  Dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  which  went  by  Mr.  Temple,  I 
have  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  yours  of  the  10th  Sepr.  by  Mr. 
Thaxter.  The  Approbation  of  your  Country  is  as  Extensive  as  it 
ought  to  be,  that  is,  universal;  but  as  there  remains  now  no  Ex- 
pectation of  your  return  here  before  another  Election,  I dare  say 
we  shall  not  be  Embarrassed  by  the  Modesty  of  our  present  first 
Magistrate.  Whatever  Qualities  he  may  want  in  the  Opinion  of 
others,  he  is  himself  a Stranger  to  any  deficiencies  and  never  once 
thought  the  duties  too  Arduous  for  him,  or  the  honour  too  high,  or 
the  situation  too  delicate,  he  has,  however,  lately  threatened  us 


236 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1784 


with  a Resignation,  he  was  either  Affronted  that  the  General 
Court  the  last  Sessions  did  not  answer  his  Speech,  or  he  took  it  in 
his  head  that  he  would  be  a great  Man  as  well  as  General  Wash- 
ington.1 he  proclaimed  his  design  in  all  Companies  with  great 
formality  and  summoned  his  Council  to  receive  it.  they  met.  he 
altered  his  resolution  and  we  continue  as  happy  as  ever  in  his 
Administration,  his  Character  is  neither  stained  with  ridicule  or 
Contempt,  a privilege  peculiar  to  himself.  The  General  Court  is 
now  sitting,  but  I hear  of  nothing  very  important  yet  done,  no 
stable  provision  is  yet  made  for  paying  the  Interest  of  the  National 
Debt.  I hope  it  will  never  be  by  an  Impost,  but  I wish  it  were 
done  in  some  more  secure  way.  but  it  appears  to  me  that  the 
States  want  Confidence  in  the  Administration,  it  must  be  taken 
out  of  Morris’  hands,  the  Treasury  put  in  Commission  by  rota- 
tion, and  then  I believe  ways  and  means  will  be  found,  especially 
if  this  last  measure  should  be  attended  with  strict  and  Impartial 
justice  to  the  several  States.  I have  not  heard  lately  from  Con- 
gress, but  I presume  from  the  Character  I have  of  the  Members, 
their  foreign  policy  will  in  future  be  conducted  in  a different  Stile, 
and  that  the  old  man’s  arts  will  not  be  so  successful  as  usual,  they 
talk  of  an  adjournment  in  April.  Good  Providence  has  so  ordered 
for  our  own  Good  that  Sullivan  has  resigned  and  the  Court 
unanimously  chose  Mr.  Dana  a Delegate  in  his  room,  the  resigna- 
tion was  very  fortunate  and  the  Choice  as  Judicious.  Mr.  Dana 
dined  with  me  about  ten  days  ago  and  will  go  on  soon,  if  Congress 
does  not  adjourn. 

I wish  it  had  been  convenient  for  you  and  your  Country  to  have 
returned  and  taken  up  your  residence  here,  and  joined  with  me 
in  the  Cultivation  of  the  pleasant  Hills  in  Braintree  and  Milton, 
but  instead  of  that  you  are  Calling  away  your  Family.  Your 
Father  Smith  is  Dead.2  Coll.  Quincy  will  live  but  a few  days.3 
Mr.  Cranch  and  Family  may  go  to  Boston,  and  we  be  left  solitary 
on  our  Hill,  what  delays  your  Treaty  of  Commerce  with  Britain. 
I suppose  want  of  Instructions  from  Congress;  but  I am  sure  the 

1 On  December  23,  1783,  Washington  had  resigned  his  Commission  in  an  address  to 
the  Continental  Congress. 

2 Died  September  17,  1783.  3 Josiah  Quincy,  died  March  3,  1784. 


1784] 


barren -Adams  Letters 


237- 


best  that  could  be  given  might  be  Compleated  in  a minute  by- 
referring  the  whole  to  your  discretion.  The  delay  may  create  dif- 
ficulties by  giving  time  to  prejudice  to  grow  and  rancle  from  the 
Conduct  and  narrow  Policy  of  Britain,  who  will  never  grow  wise 
from  Prosperity  or  Adversity. 

I am  told  that  Penobscot  is  Evacuated,  the  Commanding  Of- 
ficer after  applying  to  our  Government  for  a Commission  to  some 
Person  to  receive  the  delivery  of  the  place  and  waiting  in  vain, 
went  off  at  last,  after  having  burned  the  Barracks,  etc.,  which  we 
seemed  to  care  nothing  about.  I think  he  did  right.  Mrs.  Warren 
desires  her  regards  to  you.  we  are  all  well,  except  Charles,  who  is 
in  a dangerous  situation.  You  have  not  given  me  a single  hint 
for  the  Improvement  of  the  Noble  Science  of  Husbandry  since 
you  have  been  in  Europe,  do  you  reserve  them  all  for  your  own 
use,  that  you  may  Excel  us  in  that  Art  on  your  return,  as  much 
[as]  you  have  done  in  Politics  abroad.  I am  with  Great  Esteem 
your  Friend  and  Servant, 

J.  Warren 

March  10th.  Congress  have  made  their  Recommendations  to 
the  several  States,  agreeable  to  the  Treaty.  A Committee  of  the 
General  Court  have  it  under  Consideration,  but  it  is  said  will  not 
report  this  Session.  Nothing  seems  to  be  a more  General  Subject 
of  Conversation  than  the  Cincinnati  Clubb.  People  seem  not  to 
have  considered  the  nature  and  dangerous  tendency  of  the  Institu- 
tion till  they  were  roused  and  alarmed  by  a Pamphlet  wrote  in  So. 
Carolina,  said  by  Mr.  Burke,1  which  I would  enclose  if  the  Ex- 
pense of  postage  would  not  be  too  great.  The  most  ( ?)  of  the  People, 
in  N.  England  more  especially,  have  manifested  great  uneasiness 
at  the  half  pay  for  Life  to  the  Officers  of  the  Army,  since  com- 
muted for  five  years  pay;  but  the  uneasiness  seemed  to  be  sub- 
siding till  Irritated  to  fresh  resentment  by  this  Institution. 
County  Conventions  and  Town  Meetings  are  now  frequently 
expressing  their  Resentments  and  determinations  to  pay  no  Taxes 

1 Jidanus  Burke’s  Considerations  on  the  Society,  or  Order  of  Cincinnati,  published  in 
Charleston  over  the  signature  of  “Cassius”  and  reprinted  in  Philadelphia,  New  York, 
Hartford  and  Newport.  No  edition  appears  to  have  been  printed  in  Boston.  The  author- 
ship was  soon  discovered. 


238 


Warren -Adams  Letters  (1784 


for  the  Commutations.  The  Officers,  I think,  deserve  some  such 
Consideration;  but  then  they  should  be  content  in  other  respects 
to  be  on  a footing  with  their  fellow  Citizens,  without  claiming  any 
distinctions  that  are  Invidious  now  and  may  be  dangerous  here- 
after. Miss  Nabby  is  here  on  a Visit,  and  I dare  say  you  will  hear 
from  her  mamah  by  this  opportunity.  Coll.  Quincy  died  last 
Week.  Adieu.  I am  as  above. 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  June  1,  1784 

Sir,  — This  will  be  handed  you  by  a person  1 who  will  insure  the 
welcome  did  it  come  from  one  who  has  much  less  claim  to  your 
Friendship  than  the  writer,  at  the  same  time  her  communica- 
tions will  render  any  other  needless  from  your  American  Friends, 
this  therefore  is  only  a Line  in  Testimony  of  my  Respects  and 
Regards,  though  if  I was  to  indulge  my  pen  it  would  be  very 
expressive  of  my  wishes  for  your  Early  Return  to  your  Native 
Country,  where  perhaps  your  abilities  are  as  much  wanted  and 
your  Exertions  might  be  as  serviceable  as  in  any  Department  you 
may  fill  in  Europe.  Yet  I cannot  say  you  would  be  more  happy 
here,  but  I think  your  Conduct  has  evinced  to  the  World  that  this 
is  but  a secondary  Consideration  with  you. 

You  will  be  too  Happy  when  you  receive  this  to  make  it  of  any 
Consequence  whether  another  Line  is  added.  May  the  Felicity  of 
my  Friend  be  equal  to  their  wishes,  nor  mared  by  a Common 
Course  of  Human  events,  more  than  is  necessary  in  a state  of 
Moral  Discipline,  some  little  interruptions  we  must  feel  to  ease  our 
presumption,  and  some  greater  we  have  always  to  fear  to  Remind 
us  of  our  Dependence.  Dependence  is  a word  not  very  pleasing  to 
an  American  ear.  But,  though  we  have  broken  the  yoke  of  Britain 
and  defy  the  potentates  of  the  Earth,  we  must  not,  we  cannot 
expunge  it  from  our  Vocabulary,  our  happiness  Depends  on  too 
many  Contingencies  to  suffer  us  to  forget  our  weakness  and  our 
intire  Dependence  on  the  Great  Font  of  Felicity  for  the  smallest 

1 Mrs.  Adams. 


1784] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


239 


stream  of  enjoyment.  What  Language  is  this  to  a Man  of  the 
World,  to  a Minister  of  State,  immersed  in  the  Deep  Systems  of 
Political  Refinement  among  the  Nations,  improved  by  Arts,  Er- 
udition and  Experience,  caressed  in  the  Courts  of  Princes  amidst 
the  splendor  of  Greatness,  the  Glass  of  Pomp  and  all  the  Pag- 
eantry of  Ambition,  unshackled  by  a want  of  power  for  the  Zenith 
of  indulgence.  But  when  I address  the  Embassadeur  I do  not  for- 
get that  I write  to  the  Philosopher,  to  one  who  can  contrast  the 
Rational  simplicity  and  the  quiet  Delight  of  his  own  little  Villa  at 
the  foot  of  Pens  Hill  with  the  Briliancy  of  the  Birth  night  or  the 
parade  of  office,  and  find  the  latter  sink  in  the  comparison  when 
tryed  by  the  Feelings  of  the  Man,  not  by  the  Rivalry  of  Pride. 
Sure  I am  that  were  you  to  behold  the  Variegated  Beauties  which 
the  summit  of  Milton  this  Day  exhibits  to  the  Eye  of  Reason  and 
Gratitude,  you  would  heave  one  sigh  for  the  tranquil  hour  of  Con- 
templation in  some  Delightful  Recess 

Where  the  free  soul  looks  down  and  pities  Kings. 

Mr.  Warren  intends  writing,  if  anything  prevents  yet  be  as- 
sured he  is  the  same  Friend  to  his  Country,  to  Virtue,  to  all  Hon- 
est Men,  consequently  invariably  yours,  that  he  was  when  you 
Laboured  together,  planted,  hastened  and  matured  the  seed  of  a 
most  Glorious  Revolution,  few,  very  few,  of  the  first  capital 
hands  Remain  with  us.  Death,  Desertion,  indifference  or  Foreign 
Employments,  have  left  him  almost  alone.  But  the  Recollection 
and  Feeling  of  Conscious  Rectitude  is  the  best  Companion  of 
declining  years. 

Though  I expect  much  communication  from  my  Friend,  Mrs. 
Adams,  yet  from  your  Punctuality  and  long  experienced  Friend- 
ship I hope  my  Pleasure  will  be  enhanced  by  a Line  from  yourself 
to  yours  Respectfully  and  affectionately 


M.  Warren 


240 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1784 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

The  Hague,  June  30,  1784 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  amiable  Son,  has  done  me  the  favour  of  his 
Company,  here,  for  a Day  or  two,  and  this  Morning  goes  to  Am- 
sterdam, intending  to  return  to  England  at  the  End  of  the  Week. 
From  London  He  embarks  soon  for  Lisbon.  My  Son  1 returned 
with  him  from  London  where  I sent  him  to  meet  his  Mother  and 
Sister.  But  he  was  dissapointed  as  well  as  I.  I still  expect  Mrs. 
Adams  every  day:  but  her  last  Letters,  (those  by  your  Son)  leave 
me  still  room  to  doubt  — in  short,  every  Thing  public  and  private, 
in  which  I have  been  concerned  has  been  so  much  in  doubt,  and 
suspence,  ever  since  the  Peace,  that  if  I have  not  learned  to  recon- 
cile myself  to  any  Thing,  it  is  because  I am  not  a Philosopher.  I 
now  repent  having  written  for  my  Family,  and  that  I had  not 
gone  home.  Yet  I ought  not  to  repent  because,  it  was  Bono  pub- 
lico, that  induced  me  to  resolve  to  stay  in  Europe,  to  try,  if  I 
could  execute  a Commission  which  Congress  promised  to  me, 
F[ranklin]  and  J[ay],  and  have  not  performed,  “une  Perfidie  tres 
permise  dans  un  Grand  Roi,”  as  Voltaire  says  of  the  King  of 
Prussia. 

Jay  is  minister  of  foreign  Affairs.  This  is  a great  Point  gained  in 
favour  of  our  Country.  Wisdom  and  Virtue  have  tryumphed,  for 
once.  And  I hope  and  believe,  he  will  give  an  entire  new  Cast,  to 
the  Complexion  of  our  foreign  Affairs,  and  you  may  depend  upon 
it,  that  for  some  time  to  come  as  for  a long  time  past,  the  Character 
and  the  System  of  our  Country  has  been  entirely  decided  by  our 
foreign  affairs. 

If  I had  not  been  very  sensible  of  this,  you  would  never  have 
heard  of  me  a second  time  across  the  Atlantic,  if  I had  not  been 
very  sensible  of  this,  you  would  have  seen  me  at  Milton  again 
or  heard  of  me  in  a British  Dungeon  four  years  ago.  My  kind 
Respects  to  Mrs.  Warren  and  all  your  Family.  Your  Friend, 

John  Adams 


1 John  Quincy  Adams. 


1784] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


241 


Arthur  Lee  to  James  Warren 

New-York,  Augt  8th,  1784 

Dear  Sir,  — I have  long  hoped  for  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from 
you,  if  it  were  only  to  inform  me  that  your  family  and  our  friends 
are  well.  The  political  Sea  appears  to  be  perfectly  calm  with 
you,  and  indeed  so  it  is  every  where.  Repose,  after  such  scenes 
of  turbulence  and  agitation  as  were  experienced  for  some  years, 
seems  to  be  the  general  wish.  Had  not  the  Cincinnati  agitated  us 
a little,  we  shoud  have  been  sound  asleep. 

Give  me  leave  to  introduce  to  you  and  to  Mrs.  Warren,  Mr. 
Blake,  Mr.  Middleton,1  Mr.  Kean  2 and  Mr.  Heyward,3  gentlemen 
of  consideration  from  South  Carolina,  who  travel  to  see  their 
sister  States  in  the  East.  I wish  there  was  more  intercourse  of  this 
kind,  to  remove  prejudices  and  cultivate  harmony  among  us. 
Mr.  H.  Laurens  arrivd  here  two  days  ago.  He  is  in  good  health 
and  spirits  after  all  his  sufferings.  He  brings  some  pamphlets  in 
which  the  anti-american  reveries  of  Dean  and  Galloway,  publishd 
by  Ld.  Sheffeild  4 are  fully  reported.  The  King  of  England  and 
Mr.  Pitt,  he  thinks,  are  well  disposd  towards  a commercial  treaty 
with  America.  I am  persuaded,  that,  with  the  downfal  of  the 
Coalition,  these  incendiaries  will  be  extinguished. 

We  hear  that  Mrs.  Hayley 6 and  Mrs.  Graham,6  are  with  you. 
I beg  the  favor  of  you  to  present  them  my  respects.  No  choice 
of  Consuls  has  been  yet  made,  nor  can  be  till  Congress  meet 
again. 

I am  now,  on  my  way  to  hold  treaties  with  the  Indian  Nations, 
if  troops  can  be  raisd  in  time,  to  garrison  the  western  posts,  of 
which  I despair  very  much.  What  is  done  with  the  Continental 
State  paper  issued  by  your  State?  Is  its  redemption  provided  for, 
and  what  credit  is  it  in?  I have  heard  nothing  of  the  Land  that 
was  to  be  located  for  me,  and  begin  to  dispair  of  its  ever  taking 
effect.  If  any  thing  is,  or  is  likely  to  be  done,  I shall  be  glad  to  be 

1 Arthur  Middleton  (1742-1787). 

2 John  Kean  (c.  1756-1795).  3 Thomas  Heyward,  Jr.  (1746-1809). 

4 John  Baker  Holroyd,  Earl  of  Sheffield  (1735-1821),  whose  Observations  on  the  Com- 
merce of  the  American  States  reached  a sixth  edition  in  a year. 

5 Mary,  widow  of  George  Hayley,  a merchant  of  London  with  American  connections. 

6 Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  (1731-1791). 


242 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1784 


informd  of  it.  A letter  for  me  enclosd  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  of  Congress,  Annapolis  will  be  forwarded  to  me. 

Please  to  present  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Warren,  and  re- 
member me  to  your  Son,  Mr.  Bowdoine  and  Mr.  S.  Adams. 
Farewell.1 

A.  Lee 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Auteuil,  near  Paris,  September  5th,  1784 

Although  I have  not  yet  written  to  you,  be  assured,  Madam, 
you  have  been  the  subject  of  some  of  my  most  pleasing  thoughts: 
the  sweet  communion  we  have  often  had  together,  and  the  pleas- 
ant Hours  I have  past  both  at  Milton,  and  Braintree  I have  not 
realized  in  Europe;  I visit,  and  am  visited;  but  not  being  able  to 
converse  in  the  language  of  the  Country,  I can  only  silently  ob- 
serve Manners  and  Men.  I have  been  here  so  little  while  that  it 
would  be  improper  for  me  to  pass  Sentence,  or  form  judgments  of  a 
People  from  a converse  of  so  short  duration,  this  I may  however 
say  with  truth  that  their  Manners  are  totally  different  from  those 
of  our  own  Country.  If  you  ask  me  what  is  the  Business  of  Life 
here?  I answer  Pleasure.  The  Beau  Monde  you  reply;  ay,  Madam, 
from  the  Throne  to  the  footstool,  it  is  the  Science  of  every  Being 
in  Paris,  and  its  environs,  it  is  a matter  of  great  Speculation  to 
me,  when  these  People  labour.  I am  persuaded  the  greater  part 
of  these  people  who  crowd  the  Streets,  the  publick  walks,  the 
Theatres,  the  Spectacles  as  they  term  them,  must  subsist  upon 
Bread  and  Water.  In  London  the  Streets  are  also  full  of  People, 
but  their  Dress,  their  Gait,  every  appearance  indicates  Business, 
except  upon  Sundays,  when  every  Person  devotes  the  Day,  either 
at  Church  or  in  walking  as  is  most  agreeable  to  his  fancy:  but  here 
from  the  gayety  of  the  Dress,  and  the  Places  they  frequent  I 
judge  Pleasure  is  the  Business  of  Life,  we  have  no  days  with  us, 
or  rather  in  our  Country  by  which  I can  give  you  an  Idea  of  the 

1 A letter  from  John  Adams  to  James  Warren,  August  27,  1784,  is  in  Writings  of  John 
Adams,  ix.  524. 


1784] 


Warren  -Adams  Letters 


243 


Sabbath  here;  except  Commencement  and  Election;  Paris  upon 
that  day  pours  forth  all  her  Citizens  into  the  environs  for  the 
purposes  of  recreation,  we  have  a Beautiful  wood,  cut  into  walks, 
within  a few  rods  of  our  dwelling,  which  upon  this  Day,  resounds 
with  Musick  and  Dancing,  jollity  and  Mirth  of  every  kind.  In 
this  Wood  Booths  are  erected,  where  cake,  fruit,  and  wine  are  sold, 
here  Milliners  repair  with  their  gauzes,  ribbons  and  many  other 
articles  in  the  pedling  Stile,  but  for  other  purposes  I imagine,  than 
the  mere  sale  of  their  Merchandize;  but  every  thing  here  is  a sub- 
ject of  merchandize. 

I believe  this  Nation  is  the  only  one  in  the  world  who  could 
make  Pleasure  the  Business  of  Life,  and  yet  retain  such  a relish 
for  it,  as  never  to  complain  of  its  being  tasteless  or  insipid;  the 
Parisians  seem  to  have  exhausted  Nature,  and  Art  in  this  Science; 
and  to  be  triste  is  a complaint  of  a most  serious  Nature. 

What  Idea  my  dear  Madam  can  you  form  of  the  Manners  of  a 
Nation  one  city  of  which  furnishes  (Blush  o,  my  sex  when  I name 
it)  52,000  unmarried  females  so  lost  to  a Sense  of  Honour,  and 
Shame  as  publickly  to  enrole  their  Names  in  a Notary  Office  for 
the  most  abandoned  purposes  and  to  commit  iniquity  with  im- 
punity: thousands  of  these  miserable  wretches  perish  annually 
with  Disease  and  Poverty,  whilst  the  most  sacred  of  institutions 
is  prostituted  to  unite  titles  and  Estates.  In  the  family  of  Mon- 
sieur Grand  who  is  a Protestant  I have  seen  a Decorum  and  De- 
cency of  Manners,  a conjugal  and  family  affection,  which  are 
rarely  found,  where  seperate  apartments,  seperate  Pleasures  and 
amusements  shew  the  world  that  Nothing  but  the  Name  is  united. 
But  whilst  absolutions  are  held  in  estimation  and  Pleasure  can  be 
bought  and  sold,  what  restraint  have  mankind  upon  their  Appe- 
tites and  Passions?  there  are  few  of  them  left  in  a Neighbouring 
Country  amongst  the  Beau  Monde,  even  where  dispensations  are 
not  practised,  which  of  the  two  Countries  can  you  form  the  most 
favourable  opinion  of,  and  which  is  the  least  pernicious  to  the 
morals?  that  where  vice  is  Licenced:  or  where  it  is  suffered  to 
walk  at  large  soliciting  the  unwary,  and  unguarded  as  it  is  to  a 
most  astonishing  height  in  the  Streets  of  London  and  where 
virtuous  females  are  frequently  subject  to  insult,  in  Paris  no 


TVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1784 


244 


such  thing  happens,  but  the  greatest  Decency  and  Respect  is 
shown  by  all  orders  to  the  female  Character.  The  Stage  is  in  Lon- 
don made  use  of  as  a vehicle  to  corrupt  the  Morals,  in  Paris  no 
such  thing  is  permitted,  they  are  too  Polite  to  wound  the  Ear.  in 
one  Country,  vice  is  like  a ferocious  Beast,  seeking  whom  it  may 
devour:  in  the  other  like  a subtle  Poison  secretly  penetrating  and 
working  destruction,  in  one  Country  you  cannot  travel  a mile 
without  danger  to  your  person  and  Property,  yet  Publick  execu- 
tions abound;  in  the  other  your  person  and  property  are  safe; 
executions  are  Rare,  but  in  a Lawful  way , Beware , for  with  whom- 
soever you  have  to  deal,  you  may  rely  upon  an  attempt  to  over- 
reach you.  In  the  Graces  of  motion  and  action  this  People  shine 
unrivalled,  the  Theatres  exhibit  to  me  the  most  pleasing  amuse- 
ment I have  yet  found;  the  little  knowledge  I have  of  the  Lan- 
guage, enables  me  to  judge  here,  and  the  actions  to  quote  an  old 
phrase,  speak  louder  than  words.  I was  the  other  Evening  at 
what  is  called  the  French  Theatre  (to  distinguish  it  from  several 
others)  it  being  the  only  one  upon  which  tragedies  are  acted, 
here  I saw  a piece  of  the  celebrated  Racine,  a sacred  Drama  called 
Athalia.  the  dresses  were  superb,  the  House  Elegant  and  Beauti- 
ful, the  Actors  beyond  the  reach  of  my  pen.  The  Character  of  the 
high-Priest  admirably  well  supported  and  Athalia,  would  have 
shown  as  Sophonisba,  or  Lady  Macbeth:  if  the  term  shine,  may  be 
applied  to  a Character  full  of  Cruelty  and  Horrour:  to  these  pub- 
lick  Spectacles  (and  to  every  other  amusement)  you  may  go,  with 
perfect  security  to  your  Person  and  property;  Decency  and  good 
order,  are  preserved,  yet  are  they  equally  crowded  with  those  of 
London,  but  in  London,  at  going  in  and  coming  out  of  the  Theatre, 
you  find  yourself  in  a Mob:  and  are  every  Moment  in  Danger  of 
being  robbed;  in  short  the  term  John  Bull  which  Swift  formerly 
gave  to  the  English  Nation,  is  still  very  applicable  to  their  Man- 
ners; the  cleanliness  of  Britain  joined  to  the  civility  and  politeness 
of  France,  would  make  a most  agreeable  assemblage:  you  will 
smile  at  my  Choice,  but  as  I am  like  to  reside  sometime  in  this 
Country,  why  should  I not  wish  them  the  article  in  which  they  are 
most  deficient. 

It  is  the  established  Custom  of  this  Country  for  Strangers  to 


1784] 


JVarren-Adams  Letters 


245 


make  the  first  visit;  not  speaking  the  Language  lays  me  under 
embarassments,  for  to  visit  a Lady,  merely  to  bow  to  her,  is  pain- 
ful especially  where  they  are  so  fond  of  conversing,  as  the  Ladies 
here  generally  are,  so  that  my  female  acquaintance  is  rather  con- 
fined as  yet,  and  my  residence  4 miles  from  Paris  will  make  it  still 
more  so.  There  are  four  American  Ladies  who  have  visited  me, 
Mrs.  Barclay,1  with  whom  I have  a Friendship  and  whom  I can 
call  upon  at  all  times  without  Ceremony,  and  who  is  an  excellent 
Lady;  a Mrs.  Price,  a Canadian  Lady,  Mrs.  Valnais,  and  Mrs. 
Bingham.2  Mrs.  Bingham  is  a very  young  Lady,  not  more  than 
twenty,  very  agreeable,  and  very  handsome:  rather  too  much 
given  to  the  foibles  of  the  Country  for  the  mother  of  two  Children,3 
which  she  already  is. 

As  to  politicks,  Madam,  the  world  is  at  Peace,  and  I have  wholly 
done  with  them.  Your  good  Husband  and  mine  would  speculate 
upon  treaties  of  Commerce,  could  they  spend  their  Evenings  to- 
gether, as  I sincerely  wish  they  could,  or  upon  what  they  love 
better,  agriculture,  and  Husbandry;  which  is  become  full  as  neces- 
sary for  our  Country.  This  same  surly  John  Bull  is  kicking  up  the 
Dust  and  growling,  looking  upon  the  fat  pastures  he  has  lost,  with 
a malicious  and  envious  Eye,  and  though  he  is  offered  admission 
upon  Decent  Terms,  he  is  so  mortified  and  stomachful,  that  al- 
though he  longs  for  a morcel,  he  has  not  yet  agreed  for  a single  Bite. 

This  Village  of  Auteuil,4  where  we  reside  is  four  miles  from  Paris, 
and  one  from  Passy,  a very  pretty  Summer  retreat,  but  not  so  well 
calculated  for  Winter:  I fear  it  will  prove  as  cold  as  Milton  Hill; 
if  I was  to  judge  of  the  Winters  here  by  what  I have  experienced 
of  the  fall  I should  think  they  were  equally  severe  as  with  us.  we 
begin  already  to  find  fires  necessary. 

During  the  little  time  I was  in  England,  I saw  more  of  the 
curiosities  of  London  than  I have  yet  seen  of  Paris  so  that  I am 
not  able  to  give  you  any  account  of  any  publick  Buildings  or 

1 Wife  of  Thomas  Barclay,  one  of  the  Continental  Commissioners  for  settling  accounts 
in  Europe. 

2 Anne  Willing  of  Philadelphia. 

3 The  elder  daughter,  Anne  Louisa,  married  in  1798,  Alexander  Baring,  later  Lord 
Ashburton  (1774-1848),  and  the  younger,  Maria  Matilda,  married  (1)  James  Alexander, 
comte  de  Tilly  (1764-1816),  (2)  Henry  Baring  and  (3)  the  Marquis  de  Blaisel. 

4 See  Writings  of  John  Adams , ix.  524. 


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IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1784 


amusements,  except  the  Theatres  of  which  I shall  grow  very  fond, 
as  soon  as  I am  mistress  enough  of  the  Language  to  comprehend 
all  the  Beauties  of  it.  there  are  three  theatres  in  Paris  constantly 
open,  but  that  upon  which  tragedies  are  acted  is  the  most  pleasing 
to  me.  Corneille,  Racine,  Crebillon  and  Moliere  are  very  fre- 
quently given  here,  upon  the  Stage  the  best  pronunciation  is  to  be 
acquired.  There  is  a Mrs.  Siddons  in  London,  who  is  said  to  be 
the  female  Garrick  of  the  present  day.  I had  not  the  happiness  to 
see  her  when  I was  in  London,  as  she  was  then  in  Ireland,  but  I 
saw  no  actors  upon  their  Stage,  which  by  any  means  equal  those 
which  I have  met  with  here.  The  People  of  this  Country,  keep  up 
their  intercourse  with  each  other  by  dining  together  after  which 
they  repair  to  the  Theatres  and  to  the  publick  walks. 

I sigh  (though  not  allow’d)  for  my  social  tea  parties  which  I left 
in  America,  and  the  friendship  of  my  chosen  few,  and  their  agree- 
able converse  would  be  a rich  repast  to  me,  could  I transplant 
them  round  me  in  the  Village  of  Auteuil,  with  my  habits,  tastes 
and  Sentiments,  which  are  too  firmly  rivetted  to  change  with 
change  of  Country  or  Climate,  and  at  my  age  the  greatest  of  my 
enjoyments  consisted  in  the  reciprocation  of  Friendship. 

How  is  my  good  friend  Charles?  finely  recovered  I hope.  I do 
not  despair  of  seeing  him  here,  and  at  this  house  he  may  be  assured 
of  a welcome  whenever  he  wishes  to  try  the  air  of  France.  Gay 
Harry,  has  he  got  more  flesh  and  Health?  Grave  Mr.  George  is 
well  I hope,  and  fixed  in  some  business  to  his  mind.  Let  not  my 
esteemed  Friend  the  eldest  of  the  Brothers,  think  I have  forgotten 
or  neglected  him  by  naming  him  last,  his  tenderness  for  his  Broth- 
ers, and  his  better  Health  will  excuse  me,  if  I have  been  guilty  of  a 
breach  of  order,  he  will  accept  my  good  wishes  for  his  Health  and 
Prosperity  without  regard  to  place. 

Shall  I ask  General  Warren  how  farming  and  Husbandry  flour- 
ish; I thought  often  of  him,  and  the  delight  he  would  have  received 
in  a Journey  from  Deal  to  London,  the  rich  variety  of  grass  and 
Grain,  with  which  that  Country  was  loaded  as  I rode  through  it,  ex- 
hibited a prospect  of  the  highest  cultivation,  all  Nature  look’d  like 
a Garden;  the  Villages  around  Paris  are  pleasant:  but  neither 
the  Land,  nor  the  cultivation  equal  a neighbouring  Nation. 


1784] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


247 


When  you  see  our  good  Friend  Madam  Winthrop,  be  pleased 
to  make  my  regards  to  her;  you  will  also  remember  me  to  your 
Neighbours  at  the  foot  of  the  Hill;  and  let  me  hear  from  you  by 
every  opportunity,  as  the  correspondence  of  my  Friends  is  the 
only  compensation  I can  receive  for  the  loss  of  their  Society. 

Is  Polly  married?  Happiness  attend  her  and  her  partner  if  she 

is.  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Otis,  to  one  and  all  of  my  dear  Friends  be 
kind  enough  to  remember  me;  the  truth  of  one  Maxim  of  Roche- 
foucault  I experience  “that  absence  heightens  rather  than  dim- 
inishes those  affections  which  are  strong  and  Sincere.” 

December  12th.  You  will  see,  my  dear  Madam,  by  the  date  of 
the  above,  that  my  Letter  has  lain  by  long,  waiting  a private  con- 
veyance. Mr.  Tracy  and  Mr.  Jackson,  design  to  return  to  London 
this  week  and  I shall  request  the  favour  of  them  to  take  charge  of 

it.  Since  it  was  written  there  have  been  some  changes  in  the 
political  world,  and  the  Emperor  has  recalled  his  Ambassador  from 
the  United  Provinces.  Every  thing  seems  to  wear  an  Hostile 
Appearance,  the  Dutch  are  not  in  the  least  intimidated  but  are 
determined  at  all  events  to  refuse  the  opening  of  the  Scheld  to 
the  Emperor,  this  Court  is  endeavouring  to  Mediate  between  the 
Emperor  and  the  Dutch,  when  the  affair  was  to  be  debated  in  the 
Kings  Counsel,  the  Queen  said  to  the  Count  de  Vergennes,  “M. 
le  Comte,  you  must  remember  that  the  Emperor  is  my  brother.” 
“I  certainly  shall  Madam,”  replied  the  Count,  “but  your  Majesty 
will  remember  that  you  are  Queen  of  France.” 

Thus  much  for  Politicks,  you  ask  about  treaties  of  Commerce. 
Courts  like  Ladies,  stand  upon  Punctilios  and  chuse  to  be  ad- 
dress’d upon  their  own  ground  I am  not  at  Liberty  to  say  more. 

This  is  the  12th  of  December,  and  we  have  got  an  American 
Snow  Storm,  the  climate  is  not  so  pleasant  as  I expected  to  find  it; 
I love  the  cheerful  Sun  shine  of  America,  and  the  Clear  blue  Sky. 

Adieu  my  dear  Madam.  I have  so  much  writing  to  do,  that  I am, 
tho  unwillingly  obliged  to  close  requesting  my  Son  to  copy  for  me: 
you  will  not  fail  writing  soon  to  your  Friend  and  humble  Servant.1 

Abigail  Adams 

1 The  body  of  the  letter  is  in  the  writing  of  John  Quincy  Adams.  A letter  from  John 
Adams  to  Mercy  Warren,  December  13,  1784,  is  in  Writings  of  John  Adams,  ix.  528. 


248 


J'Varren  -Adams  Letters  [178s 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Jany.  28th,  1785 

My  dear  Sir,  — I Received  your  favour  of  the  27th  August 
sometime  ago,  and  Intended  before  this  to  have  wrote  to  you;  but 
want  of  direct  conveyance  and  some  other  Circumstances  have 
prevented. 

I am  very  Glad  to  find  my  Friends  so  agreeably  situated  at 
Auteuil.  At  the  same  time  the  preference  given  to  the  Hills  of 
Penn  and  Neponsit  give  me  an  additional  pleasure  by  affording  a 
prospect  of  once  more  seeing  them  in  their  Neighbourhood.  I 
always  feel  your  Mortification  when  the  reduction  of  your  Sala- 
ries took  place,  the  measure  was  unexpected  and  astonishing. 
I had  never  heard  of  a proposal  of  the  kind  and  I considered  it  as  a 
finess  under  the  popular  masque  of  oeconomy  to  answer  particular 
purposes,  which  general  and  good  policy  would  not  warrant,  my 
Enquiries  have  Convinced  me  of  the  Justness  of  my  own  Senti- 
ments. I suppose  it  originated  from  the  then  Premier,  the  King, 
or  Grand  Monarch  of  America,1  and  was  designed  to  get  rid  of 
those  Men  who  were  Employed  abroad,  and  could  not  be  brought 
into  a support  of  foreign  Measures,  and  those  of  the  Aristocracy 
here,  which  were  closely  united  and  made  a Common  Cause,  in 
support  of  which  the  most  refined  Intrigue  has  been  practised,  and 
at  Times  and  in  some  Instances  deceived  and  duped  some  very 
good  Men.  I presume  our  Friend  Gerry  was  in  Opposition  to  this 
measure,  because  his  Penetration  and  rectitude  has  always  se- 
cured him  against  their  Artifice.  But  this  is  Conjecture.  I have 
never  heard  the  Matter  from  him.  But  I hope  this  matter  will  be 
reconsidered  and  all  honest  men  have  Justice  done  them.  Con- 
gress seems  at  present  to  be  well  disposed,  they  have  got  clear  of 
that  sink  of  Corrupt  Influence  which  so  long  Contaminated  some 
of  their  measures,  and,  God  be  thanked,  have  substituted  a Board 
of  Treasury  in  the  stead  of  the  super  Intendant  of  Finnance,  an 
Office  which  made  rapid  strides  to  Dominion,  and  if  the  cautious 
Wisdom  of  R.  Island,  by  Negativing  the  proposed  Impost,  had 
not  prevented,  would  soon  have  found  a King  for  us.  And  this 

1 Robert  Morris. 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


249 


178s] 


Board,  too,  is  guarded  by  a rotation,  that  best,  if  not  only  security 
(in  this  stage  of  Manners  more  particularly)  for  public  Liberty. 
Everything  that  relates  to  the  Movement  of  Congress  you  will 
have  more  Compleately  from  the  place  of  their  residence  than  I 
can  give  you  from  here.  In  this  place  the  System  of  Politics  re- 
mains much  as  it  has  been;  the  same  Imbecility,  the  same  servility 
and  the  same  Inattention  still  prevail  and  are  likely  to  continue. 
Money  is  the  only  object  attended  to,  and  the  only  Acquisition 
that  commands  respect.  Patriotism  is  ridiculed;  Integrity  and 
Ability  are  of  little  Consequence.  Foreign  Commerce  has  ex- 
tended itself  beyond  its  natural  supports  and,  by  its  Extravagant 
Imports  greatly  Exceeding  the  Exports,  drained  off  all  the  Money, 
embarrassed  itself,  and  every  other  resource  of  the  Country,  while 
Luxury  keeps  pace  with  the  manners  of  older  and  more  affluent 
countries,  some  checks  by  the  denial  of  Credit  in  Europe  may  give 
time  to  the  rising  Fisheries  and  other  Staples  of  the  Country  to 
form  a Ballance  to  the  Evils  we  now  suffer.  The  Bank  here  has 
not  been  of  any  service  to  us.  it  has  rather  facilitated  the  Exporta- 
tion of  Money  and  Increased  the  Exorbitancy  of  Interest,  or 
rather  of  Usury,  which  had  before  reached  such  a Stage  of  Enor- 
mity as  would  have  disgraced  the  Jewish  Usurers  in  any  Country 
of  the  world,  and  must  in  a short  time  put  an  End  both  to  Trade 
and  the  Cultivation  of  Lands. 

I am  always  happy  to  receive  your  Letters  and  shall  be  obliged 
by  any  Information  of  what  is  passing  on  the  great  Theatre  of 
Europe.  I shall  readily  embrace  any  Opportunity  to  Inform  you 
of  anything  you  wish  to  know  from  here,  and  shall  do  it  with  the 
Fidelity  of  the  Friendship  I profess.  . . . 

J.  Warren 

29th.  Our  first  Magistrate1  has  this  day  made  a formal  Resig- 
nation. When  we  shall  get  another  without  a new  Election  I can’t 
tell. 


1 Hancock. 


250 


IV arren  -Adams  Letters  [1785 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Auteuil,  near  Paris,  April  26,  1785 

Dear  Sir,  — I see  by  the  publick  Papers  that  Mr.  Hancock  has 
resigned,  and  I suppose  you  have  just  passed  through  the  Bustle 
of  a new  Election,  it  is  a question  here  among  us  Americans  Who? 
General  Warren,  Mr  Bowdoin,  Mr  Cushing  and  General  Lincoln, 
are  in  nomination.  But  we  cannot  elect  you  know  and  therefore 
nobody  says  who  he  would  vote  for.  We  all  agree  that  there  is 
danger  of  less  Unanimity  than  in  the  last.  I know  so  well  the  In- 
fluence of  Boston  that  I believe  it  will  be  a Boston  Man,  but  which 
of  the  two  I know  not.1 

But  to  something  in  which  it  is  more  proper  for  me  to  inter- 
meddle. Temple,2  your  Friend,  is  appointed  Consul  General,  but 
whether  he  has  yet  imbarked  for  N.  York  where  I suppose  his 
Residence  will  be  I know  not.  As  much  depends  upon  his  Char- 
acter and  Conduct,  both  to  Great  Britain  and  America,  it  is  a 
matter  of  Importance  that  he  should  be  well  advised,  and  I believe 
that  no  American  has  more  regard  for  him  than  you  have  or  more 
Influence  with  him.  He  is  not  without  Knowledge  in  General  and 
has  had  peculiar  Opportunities  for  knowing  the  Commerce  of 
America,  and  has  numerous  Acquaintances,  some  Friends  and 
powerful  Connections  in  America.  I believe  him  to  be  in  general  a 
Well-meaning  Man,  and  if  his  office  depended  upon  a genteel 
Behaviour  he  would  be  very  well  qualified.  But,  he  values  him- 
self much  upon  a Knowledge  of  Courts  which  he  has  not,  and  he 
looses  himself  too  much  in  Ceremonies  and  Forms  to  be  a great 
Master  of  Substance  and  Essence.  He  is  not  a prudent  Man,  and 
has  the  most  confused  Conceptions  of  the  public  opinion  and  of  the 
Reasonings  upon  which  it  is  founded,  and  of  the  real  Springs  and 
motives  of  Events  of  any  Man  of  so  much  sense  and  experience  I 
ever  saw. 

Such  a Character  therefore  in  my  Opinion,  if  his  Friends  do  not 
advise  him,  will  be  in  danger  of  doing  much  Mischief  to  the  pub- 
lick  altho  he  may  be  sure  of  making  his  own  Career  very  short.  If 

1 James  Bowdoin  was  elected  governor. 

2 John  Temple  (1732-1798),  married  in  1767  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  James  Bowdoin. 


1785]  JVarren- Adams  Letters  251 


he  goes  on  with  those  Airs  of  Mystery,  and  suffers  his  own  Con- 
duct to  be  equivocal  or  liable  to  two  Interpretations,  if  he  enters 
into  personal  Disputes  without  a manifest  necessity,  or  brings  on 
needless  questions  with  Congress  or  its  Members,  or  the  States  or 
Governors,  with  French  or  Dutch  or  other  foreign  Consults  or 
Ministers,  or  subjects  or  starts  and  presses  too  hastily,  indiscreet 
Claims  for  his  Master,  he  will  soon  destroy  himself  altho  he 
may  previously  do  great  harm.  He  is  now  an  Englishman,  and 
a servant  of  his  King,  let  him  then  make  no  Pretensions  as  an 
American,  because  they  will  not  be  admitted  and  will  only  expose 
him.  He  must  proceed  Slowly,  Softly  and  smoothly.  He  must 
support  the  Rights  of  his  Master  and  the  English  Nation,  but  he 
must  allow  the  Rights  of  all  others.  He  is  now  in  the  right  Road. 
He  was  the  servant  of  the  King  and  should  have  always  looked  to 
him  and  him  alone  for  Service,  unless  he  had  renounced  his 
Service  more  decidedly  and  engaged  more  clearly  than  he  did 
against  him. 

My  son  will  deliver  you  this.  He  has  corresponded  for  sometime 
with  yours  at  Lisbon  and  will  give  you  the  News  of  him.  I have 
seen  with  Pleasure  this  Friendship  forming,  and  hope  there  will 
be  more  formed  in  America  between  him  and  the  sons  of  those 
Persons  with  whom  I have  passed  my  Life  in  Harmony,  and  acted 
in  Concert  for  the  Publick. 

It  is  long  since  I had  a Letter  from  you,  or  Mrs.  Warren  to 
whom  I pray  you  to  present  my  best  Regards.  Mrs.  Maccaulay 
and  Mrs.  Warren  I suppose  have  compared  Notes  of  the  History 
of  Liberty  on  both  sides  the  Atlantic. 

By  the  last  Letters  from  America,  it  appears  probable  that  the 
Dr’s  Resignation  will  be  accepted;  an  Event  which  will  make  a 
great  Change  in  our  foreign  Affairs.  No  Man  that  I know  would 
be  likely  to  conduct  them  better  here  than  his  Successor  Mr.  Jef- 
ferson. yours,  etc., 


J.  Adams 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1785 


252 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton  Hill,  April  27th,  1785 

I thank  you,  Sir,  for  your  Favour  of  the  24th  December.  I take 
up  my  pen  to  acknowledge  it  and  to  Congratulate  you  on  your 
Domestic  Felicity  in  the  last  eight  months,  but  shall  not  direct  to 
you  at  the  pleasant  Villa  of  Auteuil,  but  to  the  Court  of  London, 
as  it  is  probable  before  this  you  and  your  Family  have  left  the 
Residence  of  the  distinguished  Literati  of  France,  perhaps  for  the 
Grotto  of  Pope,  or  some  more  elegant  spot  immortalised  as  the 
abode  of  British  Genius.  For  whom  the  Americans  have  and  would 
long  continue  a predilection,  did  not  both  the  ministry  and  the 
people  practice  every  method  of  allienation.  Yet  possibly  more 
conciliating  measures  may  be  adopted  before  the  Negotiation  is 
far  advanced.  The  Mercantile  Class  are  very  angry.  While  the 
Republic  Resents  with  Dignity  the  Late  Restrictions  on  commerce, 
they  would  be  happy  to  see  every  Nation  in  Europe  take  the  same 
steps,  provided  we  were  thereby  obliged  to  live  within  ourselves 
(which  we  can  very  well  do)  and  had  wisdom  and  Virtue  to  retain 
our  own  principles  and  manners,  independently  supporting  a Na- 
tional Character  Respected  for  the  Simplicity,  Magnanimity  and 
Vigour.  But  alas!  the  Weakness  of  Human  Nature.  I fear  we 
are  already  to  far  advanced  in  every  species  of  Luxury  to  Recede, 
though  much  more  than  our  political  salvation  depended  on  the 
Reform.  An  avidity  for  Pleasure  has  increased  with  our  Freedom 
and  a thirst  of  acquisition  for  its  support  pushes  to  the  most 
dangerous  Experiments.  And  though  sensible  it  is  owing  to  the 
Perversion  of  Reason,  a Corruption  of  Taste  and  the  Cravings  of 
Artificial  Necessity  which  causes  the  Restless  pursuit  of  objects 
seldom  attainable.  Yet  Neither  the  Reasonings  of  the  Philosopher 
nor  the  maxims  of  Religion  will  bring  back  to  that  Mediocrity 
which  ought  to  bound  the  wishes  of  Man,  Either  the  people  or  the 
individual  who  has  tasted  the  more  Refined  and  Elegant  accom- 
modations of  life. 

But  to  whom  am  I writing,  this  moment  cast  my  eye  on  a 
paragraph  of  yours.  “I  feel  myself  disposed  to  whine  like  Cicero 
in  Exile.”  And  is  it  possible  that  you,  sir,  after  five  or  six  years 


1785]  barren  - Adams  Letters  253 


spent  in  the  most  splendid  Courts  in  Europe,  can  look  back  and 
sigh  for  the  Retirement  and  simplicity  of  Pens  Hill,  if  you  Really 
do  I pronounce  you  a Philosopher  of  the  first  Magnitude,  and  if 
ever  you  Volluntarily  return  to  that  style,  I think  you  will  have  a 
right  to  stand  foremost  in  the  list  of  Genuine  Republicans.  You 
will  at  least  have  a right  to  equal  Claim  to  some  deserving  Badge 
Emphatically  expressive  of  ancient  Patriotism,  as  any  of  the 
Noble  Order  of  the  Cincinnati.  I dare  not  say  more  than  equal 
least  I speak  Treason. 

A late  Resignation  you  have  doubtless  heard  off.  And  had  you 
been  with  us  when  the  period  of  annual  Election  Revolved,  it  is 
probable  your  Country  would  have  manifested  some  tokens  of 
Gratitude  by  giving  you  their  Suffrages  for  the  first  office  of  State. 
Yet  there  is  no  dependence  on  the  popular  Voice,  there  would 
have  been  a manoeuvring  against  it,  least  you  should  have  held 
it  too  long  for  the  convenience  of  another  who  means  to  come  in 
again  the  next  year. 

There  is  such  a blind  Attachment  to  this  man  of  straw  that  I 
have  little  doubt  he  will  have  the  opportunity  of  establishing 
himself  for  life  — perhaps  the  power  of  entailing  an  Hereditary 
succession,  if  that  should  be  the  Case  many  would  cry  “ Come  over 
into  Macedonia  and  help  us,”  for  I cannot  suppose  you  think  we  are 
yet  ripe  for  Monarchic  Government. 

I am  very  sorry  you  complain  so  much  of  your  eyes;  yet  I dare 
say  your  optical  Faculties  are  still  strong  enough  to  discover 
and,  I hope,  to  remove  many  Political  Errors  on  each  side  the 
Atlantic. 

But  why  do  I spend  a Moment  on  these  Subjects.  I have  not 
one  to  loose  when  Duty  does  not  Direct  to  some  Point  of  Utility, 
or  the  social  affections  interest  from  the  part  those  have  to  act 
with  whom  we  are  tenderly  connected. 

But  before  I conclude  you,  sir,  will  give  me  leave  to  observe 
that  I have  lived  long  enough  to  be  convinced  that  we  must  pass 
through  the  world  ourselves  in  order  to  know  it  thoroughly. 
Neither  the  Page  of  History  nor  the  experienced  lessons  of  those 
who  have  gone  before  us  can  investigate  the  Character  of  Man  or 
Develope  the  Human  Mind  till  we  see  the  Blunders  of  public  and 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [178s 


2 54 


feel  the  ingratitude  and  Baseness  of  private  Men.  The  one  I 
doubt  not  you  will  allways  be  quick  sighted  enough  to  discern; 
the  other  I wish  you  may  never  be  thoroughly  taught.  For  with 
all  your  thirst  for  science  you  will  be  Happier  to  die  without  the 
acquirement  of  this  knowledge. 

I have  indeed  seen  Mrs.  Macaulay,  she  has  been  treated  in 
Boston  and  its  Environs  with  every  mark  of  Respect,  she  is  a 
Lady  of  most  Extraordinary  talent,  a Commanding  Genius  and 
Brilliance  of  thought,  this  in  my  opinion  often  outruns  her  ca- 
pacity of  Expression,  which  is  often  a little  too  prolix  both  in 
Conversation  and  Composition;  or  rather,  the  Periods  are  a little 
too  lengthy  to  please  at  once.  I dare  say  this  will  be  corrected  in 
future,  as  one  of  her  American  Friends  had  the  Courage  to  tell 
her  of  it.  she  Replied  she  believed  the  observation  just,  as  she  had 
always  aimed  more  at  the  investigation  of  truth  than  the  orna- 
ments of  style.  But  I think  in  this  age  of  Refinement  the  Graces 
of  the  Letter  ought  to  soften  the  harshness  of  the  Forms  and 
prevent  the  mind  from  Fatigue  while  listening  to  the  Humiliating 
story  of  Human  Conduct. 

We  have  a subscription  out  for  an  American  Edition  of  her 
History  down  to  1744.  it  fills  very  fast  and  I dare  say  will  succeed 
to  her  Wishes. 

It  was  kind  in  you  to  wish  the  World  would  spread  a Vail  of 
Candour  over  a Circumstance  you  mentioned.  Doubtless  that 
Ladys  Independency  of  spirit  led  her  to  suppose  she  might  asso- 
ciate for  the  remainder  of  Life  with  an  inoffensive  obliging  youth 
with  the  same  impunity  a Gentleman  of  three  score  and  ten  might 
marry  a Damsel  of  fifteen. 

Mr.  Warren,  perhaps,  will  not  write  by  this  ship,  we  had  short 
Notice.  He  is  going  a Journey  and  the  season  requires  his  Care 
and  attention  — in  his  Private  Walks.  But  in  whatever  Depart- 
ment or  wherever  he  resides,  be  assured  you  have  there  a Friend. 
You  know  his  attachments  are  strong  and  when  he  likes  or  dis- 
likes, either  men  or  measures,  the  shaking  of  a leaf  will  not  alter 
his  opinion. 

We  wish  for  some  of  your  excellent  long  Letters,  some  in  that 
style  directed  to  him  at  Philadelphia,  Depend  upon  it  were  not 


1785] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


2 55 


useless,  either  to  you  or  to  your  Country,  though  from  a Con- 
currence of  Circumstances  he  was  not  there. 

I will  not  tell  you  his  opinions  with  regard  to  our  personal  situa- 
tion. He  will  do  it  himself  ere  long.  He  has  wrote  you  very 
particularly  several  times  since  Mrs.  Adams  left  us.  I believe  the 
intercourse  will  be  more  secure  while  you  Reside  in  England  — A 
pleasing  Circumstance  to  your  Friends,  particularly  to  yours 
Respectfully 

M.  Warren 

John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Auteuil,  May  6,  1785 

Madam,  — My  Son  would  go  home  very  improperly  without  a 
Letter  to  Mrs.  Warren,  whose  Virtues  and  accomplishments  his 
Father  has  so  long  admired. 

The  time  is  at  length  come  in  which  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica are  to  have  a Minister  at  the  Court  of  Great  Britain,  a time 
foretold  by  the  Prophets  and  Seers,  and  Dreamers  of  Dreams,  but 
never  until  very  lately  stedfastly  believed  by  any  to  be  so  near  at 
hand.  It  is  much  to  be  wished  that  they  could  have  had  one  to 
general  satisfaction  in  America,  and  more  Respectable  in  many 
Points  than  the  Person  on  whom  the  lot  has  fallen.  It  is  Fortune 
and  Figure,  Birth  and  Grace,  Titles  and  Ribbons,  that  make 
Impressions  on  Courtiers  and  succeed  with  the  fair,  as  they  say. 
This  is  true  in  a Sense.  But  how  do  they  succeed?  Why,  to 
be  earnestly  courted  to  every  Ball,  every  Entertainment,  every 
Horse  Race  and  Gaming  Table,  and  perhaps  to  receive  certain 
other  Favours  which  shall  be  nameless,  but  all  this  at  the  Expense 
of  incessant  Fatigue  and  Chagrin,  to  the  consumption  of  all  his 
Time  and  an  Inattention  to  Business  and  neglect  of  all  his  Duties. 
This  is  a success  of  which  our  Country  has  no  occasion  and  for 
which  her  humble  Minister  has  no  Ambition.  He  has  not  the  less 
Reason,  however,  to  wish  that  he  had  more  Advantages  and 
better  Qualifications  for  the  Service,  and  above  all  that  he  had 
former  Health  and  better  Spirits,  since  he  will  probably  meet  with 
enough  to  try  the  strongest  Nerves,  if  you  consider  the  Groups 


256 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


[178s 


upon  Groups  of  Tories  and  Refugees  in  that  Country  in  the  Va- 
riety of  their  Shapes  and  shades  of  their  Colours,  the  Numbers 
of  Emissaries  from  other  parts  of  Europe,  the  Concourse  of  unex- 
ceptionable Americans,  the  impassioned  English,  Scotch  and 
Irish,  all  watching  his  Motions  and  most  of  them  wishing  and 
contriving  his  Fall.  Whatever  lustre  in  the  Eyes  of  some  People 
there  may  be  in  the  Feather  of  being  the  first  Minister  to  England, 
you,  Madam,  will  easily  see  that  his  Situation  is  more  to  be 
dreaded  and  pitied  than  envied. 

All  this,  however,  does  not  distress  him.  His  Age  is  too  far 
advanced  and  his  Character  too  fixed,  to  have  any  Apprehension 
of  being  drawn  into  any  intentional  Fault,  or  imposed  on  to  betray 
the  Interest  of  his  Constituents.  He  will  therefore  have  no  Penal- 
ties to  apprehend  but  the  loss  of  his  Place,  and  to  this  Idea  he  is 
perfectly  reconciled. 

When  shall  I have  the  Pleasure  to  hear  again  of  my  Friend 
Warren  in  public?  His  Retreat  has  been  a great  Mortification 
and  Misfortune  to  me.  Yet  I cannot  blame  him,  for  I catch 
myself  wishing  myself  on  the  next  Hill  half  a dozen  times  in  a 
day.  I hope,  however,  to  hear  by  some  of  the  next  opportunities 
that  he  is  again  called  to  the  Service  of  his  Country.  I am  anxious 
to  know  if  Mr.  Dana  is  to  be  again  in  public  at  home  or  abroad. 
I hope  he  will  not  be  suffered  to  retire  too.  Our  Country  has  not 
such  Characters  to  spare  from  her  most  important  Employments. 

I promise  myself  from  Mr.  Gerry’s  Attendance  in  Congress  all 
those  changes  for  the  better  in  the  Management  of  the  general 
Affairs  of  the  Union,  which  I have  often  seen  proceed  from  the 
Clearness  of  his  Head  and  the  goodness  of  his  heart.  I know  of 
scarcely  any  Man  of  more  Address,  more  Industry  or  Persever- 
ance. He  never  appeared  in  Congress  without  a great  Influence. 
He  deserves  to  stand  higher  in  the  Estimation  of  the  Massachu- 
setts than  he  has  appeared  to  me  at  this  distance  to  stand.  He 
has  merited  more  of  that  State  than  I am  afraid  they  know  of. 

But  I am  wandering  into  Speculations  which  may  be  suspected 
of  Impertinence.  Be  pleased  to  present  my  best  Respects  to  Mr. 
Warren  and  believe  me,  with  the  greatest  Esteem,  Madam,  your 
most  obedient  servant. 


1785] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


257 


Martha  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 

Mount  Vernon,  June  the  9th,  1785 

My  Dear  Madam,  — I had  the  pleasure  to  receive  your 
obliging  letter  of  the  14th  of  april  by  Mrs.  Macauly  Graham 
— the  kind  expressions  of  which,  added  to  the  recollection  of 
those  days  in  which  you  honored  me  with  your  friendship,  fill  me 
with  agreeable  sensations,  and  will  ever  be  dear  to  my  remem- 
brance. 

I thank  you  for  introducing  a lady  so  well  known  in  the  literary 
world  as  Mrs.  Macauly  Graham,  whose  agreeable  company  we 
have  had  the  pleasure  of  a few  days.  She  now  returns  to  make 
happy  those  whom  she  left. 

The  friendship  which  subsisted  between  General  Warren  and 
Mr.  Washington  will  never  be  forgotten  by  the  latter;  it  was 
among  the  first  formed,  and  most  lasting  at  Cambridge,  and 
with  equal  pleasure  would  be  renewed  by  him.  why  it  has  slept, 
the  general  cannot  tell,  he  recollects  writing  a long  letter  to 
Genl.  Warren  in  the  year  1779,  when  the  army  were  Cantoned  on 
the  Raritan  near  Bound  Brook  in  the  Jersys.  since  which,  all 
intercourse  by  letter  has  ceased:  tho  friendship  is  the  same. 

He  joins  me  in  every  good  wish  for  you  and  General  Warren, 
and  begs  me  to  add  the  strongest  assurances  of  the  sincear  esteem 
and  regard  he  has  for  you  both.  With  sentiments  of  friendship  and 
affection  I am,  Dear  Madam,  you  obedt.  and  obliged. 

M.  Washington 


Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren 

Dear  Madam,  — I think  I hear  you  say,  with  all  that  animated 
severity  which  I acknowledge  has  sometimes  offended  the  delicacy 
of  your  friend’s  sentiment,  Well  there  is  no  trusting  to  the  boasted 
sincerity  of  that  idle  Woman,  how  was  I deceived  when  I be- 
lieved her  capable  of  the  solid  qualities  of  the  mind,  can  patriot- 
ism dwell  in  a heart  where  friendship  has  no  place,  with  what  in- 
difference of  temper  does  she  fly  from  society  to  society,  pleased 


U^arren- Adams  Letters  [1785 


258 


with  the  present  set  of  companions  regardless  of  the  past,  how 
have  I mistaken  a plausibility  of  speech  and  diction  for  the  real 
language  of  the  heart. 

Before  you  proceed  any  further  in  your  observations,  I must 
tell  you,  my  Dear  friend,  that  your  vivacity  has  led  you  into  an 
error  that  I have  never  forgotten  or  remembered  with  a cold  indif- 
ference the  many  endearing  obligations  which  we  have  received 
from  our  friends  at  Milton.  That  this  is  absolutely  the  first 
moment  which  I have  been  able  to  snatch  from  a crowd  of  com- 
pany or  from  the  fatigue  of  travelling  to  express  those  sentiments 
of  esteem,  of  friendship,  and  of  gratitude  which  I have  always 
felt  for  Mrs  Warren. 

A variety  of  reasons  have  at  length  determined  me  to  give  up 
all  thoughts  of  a subscription  for  a new  publication  of  my  history 
in  this  country. 

The  state  of  my  health,  inclines  me  to  take  the  advantage  of 
two  or  three  years’  residence  in  the  mild  and  steady  climate  of  the 
South  of  France  and  the  delicacy  of  my  sentiment  urges  me  to 
leave  my  visit  to  the  Americans  free  and  unclogged  with  any  con- 
siderations of  interest. 

I am  informed  by  Mr.  Gerry  that  your  Son  is  returned  from 
Hispaniola.  I flatter  myself  that  your  Journey  to  Plymouth  was 
made  with  the  intention  of  establishing  him  in  business  in  this 
place  and  consequently  that  his  present  state  of  health  is  equal  to 
such  an  undertaking. 

Had  I resided  any  time  in  America  I should  undoubtedly  have 
made  Boston  the  seat  of  my  residence,  but  as  the  calls  of  maternal 
affection  and  the  interest  of  our  families  oblige  us  to  a separate 
residence  in  different  quarters  of  the  Globe  I shall  with  your  leave 
continue  our  Epistolary  correspondence  when  I am  established  in 
a Domestic  way  in  France. 

We  must  now  take  leave  of  you,  my  Dear  Madam,  as  we  are  on 
the  eve  of  our  departure  for  France,  we  must  beg  the  favor  of  you 
to  preserve  us  a place  in  your  affection  and  that  you  will  remember 
us  to  the  General,  to  the  young  Gentlemen  of  your  family,  and 
particularly  to  our  sick  friend;  we  also  desire  to  be  remembered 
particularly  to  Mr.  Russel  and  his  family.  The  uninterrupted 


1785] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


2 59 


kindness  and  civility  we  have  received  from  that  polite  benevo- 
lent man  we  shall  not  easily  forget. 

There  are  a variety  of  other  people,  my  Dear  Madam,  who 
claim  our  attention  from  the  civilities  we  have  received  from  them 
we  must  beg  of  you  to  dispose  of  our  compliments  according  to 
that  propriety  which  is  so  evident  in  all  your  actions. 

Enclosed  you  will  find  a letter  from  Mrs.  Washington.  I return 
you  my  thanks,  Dear  Madam,  for  the  very  kind  remembrance 
which  followed  us  to  Providence.  Our  reception  at  Mount  Vernon 
was  of  the  most  friendly  and  engaging  kind  we  spent  ten  days 
very  happily  in  one  of  the  sweetest  situations  on  the  continent. 
The  opinion  we  had  formed  of  the  illustrious  owners  was  rather 
improved  than  lessened  by  that  converse  which  our  situation 
enabled  us  to  enjoy.  I am,  Dear  Madam,  Your  Affecnt.  and 
Obednt.  Servnt. 

Cath.  Macaulay  Graham 

New  York,  July  15,  ’85. 1 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Sept.,  1785 

The  account  of  your  son’s  arrival  you  will  have  from  himself, 
the  Pleasure  his  Friends  receive  from  his  return  you  will  not 
doubt,  and  in  every  instance  where  my  advice  or  attention  may 
be  either  useful  or  pleasing,  be  assured  I shall  treat  him  as  my 
own,  not  only  from  that  long  Friendship  I have  felt  for  his  parents, 
backed  by  their  particular  Request,  but  from  the  affection  I dare 
say  his  amiable  manners  will  always  secure. 

That  the  Dreamers  have  augured  and  the  Prophets  long  since 
foretold  Mr.  Adams  would  be  the  first  American  minister  to  the 
Court  of  Great  Britain,  is  not  more  certain  than  the  Gen- 
eral satisfaction  expressed  in  the  Completion  of  this  Event. 
And  though  it  is  a station  attended  with  Difficulty  and  Fatigue, 
requiring  much  Delicacy  and  address,  I have  no  doubt  his  abilities 

1 A letter  from  James  Warren  to  Washington,  September  2,  1785,  is  printed  in  Corre- 
spondence of  the  Revolution,  Letters  to  Washington,  iv.  113. 


2 6o 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1785 


and  Perseverance  are  adequate  to  the  important  trust.  Nor  will 
the  train  of  Emmissaries  who  delight  in  mischief  affect  his  Repu- 
tation, Integrity  or  Vigilance,  however  Variegated  in  shape  or 
shaded  with  such  dazzling  Light  as  might  put  out  the  Eye  of  one 
less  firmly  attached  to  the  interest  of  his  Country. 

Yet  there  are  few  Characters  so  impeccable  that  there  is  no 
danger  of  loosing  sight  of  their  patriotism  amidst  the  Golden 
mists  which  remarkably  pervade  a certain  Island,  speculatists 
have  observed  that  this  shining  Fog  is  more  or  less  apt  to  injure 
the  Optics  of  the  Greatest  Politicians  and  statesmen.  But  neither 
Balls,  nor  Birth  days,  or  the  Nameless  Favours  that  the  Digni- 
fied splendor  of  either  sex  can  bestow  will,  I trust,  influence  the 
Probaty  of  a Gentleman  who  long  Braved  the  ordeal  trial  (even 
in  the  purlieus  of  a Brilliant  Court),  and  that  has  stood  the  test 
for  more  than  seven  years  amidst  jarring  Factions  on  each  side 
the  Atlantic,  that  would  equally  have  rejoiced  in  his  Fall. 

I cannot  see  anything  you,  sir,  have  to  dread  from  a late 
appointment.  Nor  have  I penetration  to  discover  anything  piti- 
able in  your  situation.  As  to  Envy  I cannot  be  so  explicit,  it  is 
a kind  of  canker  worm  that  Generally  crawls  round  the  loftiest 
Branches  and  Grows  meagre  in  the  innutritious  soil  that  Genders 
it.  it  is  a Reptile  that  may  infest  but  seldom  destroy  the  Heart 
of  Oak,  and  while  you  enjoy  the  Dignity  of  office  may  self- 
approbation ever  counterbalance  the  Malignancy  of  Rivalships. 
These  may  weaken  the  Hands  but  seldom  depress  the  Heart  of 
true  Magnanimity. 

Your  next  question  is,  when  shall  I again  see  my  Friend  Warren 
in  public  life.  I answer,  when  Republics  are  Famed  for  their 
Gratitude  and  the  Multitude  learn  to  Discriminate;  when  they 
more  Respect  their  Real  Friends  than  they  admire  the  popular 
Demagogue  or  the  lukewarm  adherents  to  public  liberty,  who 
have  sacrificed  nothing  in  the  Cause  and  held  the  powerful  Bal- 
lance  of  Wealth,  which  in  all  Countrys  outweigh  the  shining  quali- 
ties of  Honest  patriotism,  and  not  before.  He  has  never  retreated 
from  the  service  of  his  Country.  Particular  Circumstance  which, 
I dare  say,  Mr.  Adams  would  have  thought  weighty,  led  him  at  a 
certain  period  to  decline  several  Honorary  offices,  this  his  En- 


1785] 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters 


261 


emies  have  industriously  improved  to  prevent  his  Re-election, 
While  his  independency  of  spirit,  supported  by  the  Rectitude  of 
his  intentions,  never  suffered  him  to  make  the  smallest  Exertions 
to  counteract.  Yet  Notwithstanding  his  fondness  for  private  life, 
if  his  Country  should  ever  again  require  his  services,  Depend  upon 
it  he  will  step  forth  with  the  same  indefatigable  Zeal  and  Integrity 
that  has  hitherto  distinguished  his  Character. 

Mr.  Dana  is  appointed  one  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court. 
Mr.  Warren  bids  me  tell  you  he  thinks  this  the  only  Circumstance 
that  marks  with  any  degree  of  Reputation  the  administration  of 
Hancock.  Mr.  Gerry  will  not  be  eligable  by  the  Confederation 
as  a Delegate  to  Congress  after  November.  I wish  his  Country- 
men may  never  forget  his  Merits.  But  if  his  Happiness  depended 
on  their  Favour,  probably  he  might  long  pursue  without  ever 
overtaking  the  Phantom.  But  I have  Reason  to  believe  he  means 
in  future  to  build  on  the  more  solid  Base  of  Domestic  Felicity. 

I fear  your  very  eligable  situation  at  the  Court  of  London  will 
Hush  every  Future  sigh  for  the  silent  Hills  in  the  Neighbourhood 
of  Tremont,  and,  perhaps  before  you  return  to  your  Native  Land, 
your  Friends,  who  now  ardently  wish  for  your  smiles,  may  stand 
in  the  Presence  of  a Monarch  Infinitely  superior  to  the  Bustling 
potentates  of  this  spot  [?]  of  Creation. 

Shall  I ask  the  Favour  of  you,  sir,  to  transmit  by  some  safe 
Conveyance  the  enclosed  to  your  young  Friend  in  Lisbon,  and 
shall  I ask  you  if  there  is  a Probability  of  a treaty  with  portugal. 
Nothing  would  have  induced  this  young  Gentleman  to  have  fixed 
himself  in  a Country  where  the  Religion,  the  Manners,  and  the 
Government  are  so  different  to  the  liberal  Ideas  in  which  he  has 
been  educated,  but  the  promise  of  a consular  appointment  from 
many  of  the  most  Respectable  Members  of  Congress.  He  has 
been  long  kept  in  suspence,  because  Congress  do  not  appoint 
where  no  treaties  are  Formed,  and,  perhaps,  there  may  yet  be 
time  for  you  to  give  a hint  in  his  Favour,  if  you  think  his  Merits 
and  his  Father’s  services  deserve  this  small  Consideration.  I 
know  you  must  be  sensible  this  uniform  Patriot  has  long  laboured 
in  the  arduous  struggle  for  the  liberties  of  his  Country:  without 
any  Emolument  either  of  Honour  or  Profit  to  Himself  or  his 


262 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1785 


Family,  a small  appointment  in  a distant  Country  to  an  amiable 
son  is  a very  inadequate  Compensation  for  his  Fatigues  and  his 
sufferings.  You  will  excuse  this  Freedom  of  Communication  from 
one  who  subscribes  very  Respectfully  your  Friend  and  Humble 
Servant 

M.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Septem.  4th,  1785 

Dear  Sir,  — When  I used  to  be  in  Company  with  the  Prophets 
and  the  Dreamers  of  Dreams,  I could  hardly  realize  that  I should 
ever  have  the  Honour  and  Pleasure  of  corresponding  with  an 
Ambassador  at  the  Courts  of  Versailles,  or  London,  and  yet  this 
Event  among  many  other  strange  ones  has  taken  Place.  I re- 
ceiv’d a few  Days  ago  by  the  Hand  of  your  admirable  Son,  yours 
dated  Auteuil,  April  26th,  and  know  no  Reason  why  I may  not 
expect  very  soon  another  from  London  of  a later  Date,  as  the 
Publick  Intelligence  announces  your  Arrival  there,  with  many 
Circumstances  which  indicate  a Residence  for  some  Time.  How 
many  Difficulties  you  will  have  to  Combat  in  this  new  Employ 
can’t  easily  be  foreseen,  while  it  is  pretty  clear  you  will  have 
some,  but  I hope  they  will  not  be  insurmountable  to  those 
Abilities  and  Experience  which  have  already  triumph’d  over  so 
many. 

We  have  got  through  the  Bustle  of  a new  Election  and  after 
much  Difficulty  the  Choice  fell  where  probably  you  would  have 
plac’d  it.  Mr.  Bowdoin  was  chose  by  the  two  Houses  and  all  is 
Peace,  Tranquillity  and  Satisfaction.  Mr.  Hancock’s  Influence, 
which  was  great,  was  in  favour  of  Cushing,  more  probably  to  keep 
a Door  open  for  Himself  at  another  Election,  and  by  that  means 
retrieve  the  Mistake  he  made  in  his  Resignation,  than  from  any 
other  Principle.  All  other  Parties  were  obliged  to  unite  to  defeat 
his  Purposes,  and  he  at  last  in  Despair  of  his  main  Design,  gave 
out  that  he  did  not  care  who  was  chose  if  it  was  not  the  Man  on 
Milton  Hill.  If  Ambition  was  my  ruling  Principle,  and  I was  a 


1785]  TVarren -Adams  Letters  263 


Politician,  I should  have  shaken  Hands  with  this  mighty  man; 
but  as  it  is  I will  still  be  honest  and  continue  to  despise  his  Caprice, 
Incapacity,  and  Indolence,  and  do  every  Thing  I can  to  prevent 
his  again  having  it  in  his  Power  to  disgrace  this  Government  by 
an  Administration  of  Imbecility  and  weakness,  and  if  I enjoy 
none  of  the  Honour  and  Emoluments  of  a Government,  my  vigor- 
ous Zeal  and  Steadiness  for  many  Years  had  some  Share  in  obtain- 
ing, I will  be  satisfied  if  the  Man  on  Bacon-Hill  does  not.  however, 
he  has  gain’d  tho’  at  a second  or  third  Voting  a Choice  of  a Dele- 
gate, and  has  now  in  View  the  Presidency  of  Congress,  he  may 
get  it;  my  Fears  make  me  think  it  probable,  while  my  Hopes 
blast  his  Expectations. 

Mr.  Temple  has  not  yet  arrived  and  when  he  does  I don’t 
know  that  my  Regard  for  Him  or  Influence  with  Him  will  be  so 
great  as  you  seem  to  imagine.  I was  of  Opinion  that  he  was  us’d 
ill  by  some  People  in  this  Country,  and  so  far  as  Justice  requir’d 
espous’d  his  Cause,  while  in  general  I agreed  with  you  in  the 
Character  given  of  Him.  His  being  a well-meaning  Man,  as  you 
express  it,  cover’d  a Number  of  Faults  and  engag’d  me  in  the  Line 
of  conduct  I observ’d.  His  present  Employment  has  decided  his 
Pretensions  with  Regard  to  America,  and  he  should  in  future  be 
unequivocally  the  faithful  Servant  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
and  if  I have  any  Influence  I shall,  when  Opportunity  presents, 
use  it  to  make  him  as  prudent  as  he  should  be  faithful. 

The  Doctor’s  Resignation  has  been  accepted  and  it  is  said  he 
is  on  his  Way  to  America.  If  his  Letters  and  his  Measures  were 
Inimical  to  you  in  Europe,  you  may  expect  the  same  Line  of 
Conduct  will  be  pursu’d  Here  with  more  Facility  than  there,  but 
perhaps  with  as  little  Success. 

Your  Son  has  visited  me  twice.  Yesterday  he  din’d  with  me. 
I am  much  pleased  with  him  and  shall  take  Pains  to  cultivate 
a Friendship  between  Him  and  my  Sons;  from  the  Intimacy 
and  confidence  that  has  subsisted  between  the  Fathers  and  the 
Mothers  it  seems  a very  natural  one.  he  has  promised  to  continue 
his  Correspondence  with  Winslow  and  to  visit  us  often.  Tom  I 
have  not  seen  lately,  but  my  favorite  Charles  spent  a Night  or 
two  with  us  after  Commencement.  I would  have  them  all  con- 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1785 


2 64 


sider  this  as  one  of  their  Homes.  I will  say  nothing  to  you  of 
Congress.  You  have  everything  from  them  at  first  Hand.  The 
foolish  Extravagance  of  this  Country  has  involved  us  in  Confu- 
sion and  Distress;  when  or  how  we  shall  be  extricated  I don’t 
know,  the  Evil  seems  to  be  out  of  the  Reach  of  present  (Economy 
or  Frugality.  The  Scarcity  of  Money  is  beyond  your  Conception. 
Trade  is  stagnated,  Lands  will  not  sell.  No  Improvements  can  be 
made  in  Agriculture  or  Manufactures.  Bankruptcies,  and  unex- 
pected ones  too,  are  Common.  No  Man  can  pay  his  Debts,  and 
if  the  Moderation  or  good  Policy  of  the  Creditors  does  not  prevent, 
Anarchy  may  be  the  Consequence.  The  late  Acts  of  this  Govern- 
ment laying  enormous  Duties  and  Illiberal  Restrictions  on  other 
Foreigners  besides  British,  as  well  as  absurd  ones  on  their  own 
Trade,  increases  the  Confusion  and  Distress. 

When  are  we  to  expect  the  Completion  of  any  Commercial 
Treaties  and  how  does  the  Government  of  Britain  seem  dispos’d? 
Will  you  tell  me?  Mrs.  Warren  has  not  been  well  for  some  Time, 
has  wrote  you  lately  and  intends  writing  to  Mrs.  Adams  by  this 
Opportunity  if  possible.  Present  my  best  Regards  to  Mrs.  Adams, 
my  Love  to  Nabby.  I wish  her  in  every  Stage  and  Connection 
of  Life  all  that  Happiness  her  Amiable  Qualities  and  Accomplish- 
ments entitle  her  to.  Your  Friend,  etc1 

J.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Elbridge  Gerry 

Milton,  Octr.  4th,  1785 

My  dear  Sir,  — The  Time  approaches  when  you  must  leave 
Congress,  however  Contrary  it  may  be  to  the  Interest  and  wishes 
of  your  Constituents.  When  your  Successors  arrive  at  Congress, 
especially  if  H[ancock]  is  one  of  them,  and  more  especially  if  he 
obtains  the  presidency,  there  will  probably  be  an  End  of  Winslow’s 
Expectations.  It  always  appeared  to  me  a singular  Resolution, 
that  no  Consuls  should  be  appointed  where  there  were  no  Com- 
mercial Treaties;  and  if  it  can  be  supported  as  a good  general 

1 The  body  of  the  letter  is  in  another  hand. 


1785] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


265 


Rule,  it  should  like  other  general  rules  be  subject  to  some  Excep- 
tions, and  Consuls  appointed  where  the  Trade  was  large,  and  the 
National  disposition  favourable.  This  is  now  the  Case  of  Portu- 
gal, and  besides  we  can  hear  of  no  kind  of  Obstacle  to  a Treaty, 
and  yet  none  is  made.  It  is  a matter  of  Speculation  here,  why  in 
the  Course  of  more  than  12  Months  since  Mr.  Jefferson’s  Arrival, 
not  one  such  Treaty  has  been  made,  especially  when  every  Body  is 
willing.  Mr.  Adams  is  gone  to  Britain.  Mr.  Jefferson  remains  at 
the  Court  of  France.  Dr.  Franklin  is  retd,  to  America.  Who  is 
now  to  compleat  this  great  Business,  is  another  question  that  I 
am  not  able  to  answer,  and  if  it  is  never  done,  are  no  Consuls 
to  be  appointed?  Winslow  would  be  much  obliged  by  a Line  from 
you.  and  I dare  say  frequent  Oppys.  present  from  New  York. 
Mr.  Low  Corresponds  with  him,  and  will  forward  it  without  any 
trouble  to  you.  I have  not  a word  of  News,  not  even  Tittle  Tattle 

to  give  you.  H has  got  the  Gout;  whether  it  is  a political,  or 

natural  fit,  I dont  know.  If  the  former,  he  may  have  some  reason 
to  despair  of  the  Presidency,  and  may  wrap  up  in  Baze,  as  a pre- 
paratory to  a resignation  when  the  Court  meets.  If  every  Body 
loved  him  as  I do,  they  would  save  him  that  trouble,  and  excuse 
without  the  Expence  of  a single  peice  of  Baze.  I suppose  by  this 
Time  Mr.  Temple  may  be  with  you.  He  is  now  decidedly  the 
Servant  of  the  British  King,  and  should  be  allowed  to  pursue  his 
Interest.  I hope  prudence  will  direct  him  to  pursue  it  smoothly 
and  softly,  without  any  disagreable  Altercations  with  Congress, 
or  any  of  the  United  States,  or  with  any  foreign  Consuls  or 
Ministers.  So  shall  his  days  be  long  in  the  Land  of  his  Nativity. 
Will  you  make  my  regards  to  your  two  Brethren,  to  your  Presi- 
dent and  to  my  Friend  Doctor  Lee,  and  beleive  me  to  be  Yours 
sincerely, 

J.  Warrek 

I think  a very  singular  Character  is  sent  here  to  settle  the  marine 
Accounts.  He  is  dark,  reserved,  disgusts  every  Body,  affronts  or 
ill  treats  all,  is  abused  in  return,  and  bears  it  as  a dull  Horse  does 
a whip.  His  whole  Time  seems  to  be  spent  in  finding,  or  makeing 
difficulties  where  there  are  none,  and  his  motive,  if  I can  trace  it, 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1785 


266 


is  to  Continue  in  office.  You  may  rely  on  it  he  will  not  finish 
this  Business  this  six  Years  to  come  in  the  way  he  is  in,  and  a 
Man  of  Abilities  well  disposed  might  do  it  in  3 Months.  I sus- 
pect by  way  of  Apology  for  himse[lf]  he  will  represent  our  Accounts 
as  irregular  and  Incompleat;  but  I can  shew  they  are  as  much  to 
the  Contrary  as  the  nature  of  things  could  admit  off. 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Octo.  6th,  1785 

Dear  Sir,  — I wrote  you  very  lately  and  very  largely,  without 
any  interested  views  but  what  arise  from  the  pleasure  of  Cor- 
responding with  a Man  whose  Confidence  and  Friendship  I have 
long  experienced  and  wish  to  continue.  The  design  of  this  is  to 
engage  your  Interest  in  a matter  which  I wish  exceedingly  to 
accomplish.  Applications  to  great  Men  are  Taxes  which  they 
must  submit  to.  Your  rank  and  Influence  and  the  Claim  I have 
on  your  Friendship  are  the  only  Apologies  I shall  make.  I shall 
say  nothing  of  the  qualifications  and  Merits  of  my  son  Winslow. 
You  know  him  and  I flatter  myself  from  some  Circumstances 
that  you  have  already  formed  a favourable  Opinion  of  them. 

He  went  to  Lisbon  with  great  and  well-founded  Expectations 
of  being  appointed  the  Consul  there,  and  still  remains  there  with 
such  Expectations.  Congress  have  delayed  the  Appointment  until 
a Commercial  Treaty  should  be  formed,  by  a Letter  from  my 
friend  Gerry  last  Evening  I am  Informed  they  now  have  it  in 
Contemplation  and  probably  will  appoint  the  foreign  Ministers 
and  Consuls  General,  and  leave  the  Appointment  to  the  several 
Ports  with  them,  and  that  Lisbon  will  fall  into  the  department  of 
Mr.  Jefferson.  Will  you  write  to  him  and  use  your  Influence  to 
gratify  me  in  the  Acquisition  of  this  small  favour,  if  the  profits 
of  the  office  should  not  be  large,  it  will  give  him  Consequence,  and 
assist  him  in  his  other  Business.  A disappointment  would  mortify 
and  injure  the  feelings  of  a young  Man,  as  well  as  give  a Triumph 
to  my  Enemies  after  the  matter  has  been  so  long  talked  of.  I 
think  I have  done  some  services  to  my  Country  and  had  a con- 


1785] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


267 


siderable  Share  (I  mean  for  an  Individual)  in  the  American  Revo- 
lution. if  Winslow  succeeds  it  will  be  the  only  reward  to  and  the 
only  place  at  present  held  or  expected  by  any  of  the  Family. 
You  will  make  my  sincere  regards  to  Mrs.  Adams  and  Love  to 
Nabby,  and  believe  me  to  be  as  usual  with  great  Esteem  your 
Friend,  etc. 

J.  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Elbridge  Gerry 

Milton,  Octr.  9th,  1785 

My  dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  which  went  by  the  Monday’s 
Post,  I am  honoured  by  your  Friendly  and  polite  favour  of  the 
27th  Ulto.  by  which  I learn  that  Congress  are  in  a way  to  adopt  a 
Mode  for  the  Appointment  of  Consuls.  Whether  the  Mode  be  so 
consistent  with  propriety,  or  dignity,  as  a direct  one  by  them- 
selves, is  a subject  out  of  the  reach  of  a Plebean,  occupied  in  the 
manureing  and  culture  of  the  Field,  but  I think  a Ploughman  may 
discern  that  it  is  better  than  none,  and  therefore  I hope  it  will 
succeed.  I have  taken  your  advice  and  wrote  to  Mr.  Jefferson, 
and  have  engaged  some  of  my  Friends  here  to  do  it.  I request  my 
Friend  Gerry  to  Interest  himself  in  the  same  way;  he  is  always 
the  first  on  my  List,  my  Opinion  of  his  Abilities  and  Generosity 
have  placed  him  there,  and  if  that  Situation  gives  him  much 
Trouble,  it  at  the  same  time  gives  me  much  confidence  and 
pleasure,  if  the  President,  and  any  other  Gentleman  of  Congress, 
will  write  in  Winslow’s  favour,  they  would  oblige  me.  I asked  the 
favour  of  the  G[overnor],  the  only  favour  I ever  did,  or  will  ask  of 
one.  he  replied  that  he  wished  it  to  succeed,  but  that  he  had  never 
corresponded.  I dare  say  this  is  all  true,  but  yet  it  was  a strange 
Answer  from  a Man  whose  rank  Intitled  him  to  write  to  any  Body, 
but  it  is  characteristic,  how  much  is  a Man’s  Friendship  to  be 
Coveted,  or  his  Enmity  dreaded,  who  does  not  feel  that  Ardent 
Animating  Glow,  unrestrained  by  Timid  Cautious  Moderation, 
which  will  force  him,  as  it  were  Mechanically  to  stretch  out  his 
Arm  to  serve  a Friend,  or  blast  an  Enemy. 


268 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1785 


I think  the  Exchange  you  mention,  will  be  a good  one,  but  I am 
intirely  in  your  sentiment  with  regard  to  the  residence  of  foreign 
Ministers  here.  The  Addresses  you  mention,  and  the  Anecdotes 
are  Curiosities  I wish  to  see.  My  Compliments  to  all  my  Friends. 
I am  Yours  most  Assuredly, 

J.  Warren 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Grosvenor  Square,  Deer.  12,  1785 

Madam,  — I am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  Letter  and  refer 
you  to  General  Warren  for  what  respects  your  son. 

You  suppose  my  present  situation  to  be  eligible  and  I confess  it. 
I have  it  in  my  Power  here  to  enjoy  the  society  of  Persons  of  great 
Worth,  and  if  I please  of  high  Rank,  and  if  our  publick  Affairs  here 
went  well,  I should  not  desire  a better  situation,  but  they  do  not. 

A Lady,  who  was  born  at  Gibraltar,  came  to  England  and 
Married  a Man  of  Merit,  Fortune  and  Rank.  She  had  every 
Thing  which  this  Country  affords,  to  make  Life  agreable.  Yet 
she  used  to  say,  it  was  true,  that  England  was  very  clever,  but  it 
was  nothing  to  be  compared  to  Gibraltar]. 

If  the  Circumstance  of  Birth  and  Education  could  give  such 
an  Attachment  to  that  Barren  Rock,  it  is  not  surprizing  that  I 
should  be  fond  of  my  barren  Mountain.  Yet  the  World  would 
laugh  at  me  as  well  as  the  Lady  of  Gibraltar. 

I have  been  so  long  agitated  in  the  World,  and  puzzled  with 
Business,  that  indeed  I dont  know,  whether  I should  feel  my 
Existence  at  Braintree,  and  My  Eyes  and  my  Health  will  not 
admit  of  Reading  or  Writing  by  Candle  Light,  so  that  I should 
want  Amusement  of  Evenings,  but  the  Care  of  a Farm,  and  Books 
and  Papers  in  the  Day,  would  Serve  me  very  well,  and  as  far  as 
I can  judge  of  my  own  Inclinations  I had  rather  live  in  that  Retire- 
ment, for  my  personal  Enjoyment,  upon  one  hundred  a Year  than 
at  any  Court  in  Europe  upon  five  Thousand.  It  may  be  depended 
on  then  that  I have  no  dread  upon  my  Mind  of  being  obliged  to 
return  and  plant  Cabbages  at  the  foot  of  Penns  hill. 


1786] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


269 


The  Dismall  Accounts  of  the  Misfortunes  and  Afflictions  of  our 
Friends  in  America,  distress  Us  a good  deal,  but  the  Jewish  av- 
arice in  the  Loan  of  Money,  which  We  hear  of,  much  more. 
While  such  Interest  can  be  obtained,  much  Property  will  be 
diverted  from  Trade.  But  this  must  have  an  End.  The  great 
Fish  will  have  eaten  all  the  little  ones,  and  then  they  must  look 
out  for  other  Prey.  The  Multiplicity  of  Law  Suits,  is  much  like 
what  I remember  after  the  Peace  of  1763,  but  when  a certain 
Quantity  of  Property  had  shifted  hands  they  diminished,  it  is 
generally  agreed  that  our  People  have  been  imprudent  and 
extravagant,  but  I hope  that  Profligacy  and  want  of  Principle 
have  not  taken  any  deep  root.  I wish  it  were  in  my  Power  to 
comfort  them  with  any  hopes  of  relief  from  this  Country,  but  it 
is  not.  There  is,  instead  of  any  Consideration  of  our  Losses, 
Inconveniences,  or  Distresses,  a visible  and  indecent  Joy  at  all 
the  Accounts  of  them.  If  Revenge  is  sweet  our  People  will  have  it, 
in  a few  years,  but  that  is  no  rational  Consolation. 

Captain  Stanhope’s  Letters  to  the  Governor,  are  by  no  means 
approved  at  this  Court,  as  Congress  will  be  informed  Officially 
before  this  reaches  you.  With  the  greatest  Esteem  and  respect 
I have  the  honour  to  be,  Madam,  your  sincere  Friend  and  humble 
servant, 

John  Adams 


Nathaniel  Gorham  to  James  Warren 

New  York,  March  6,  1786 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  esteemed  favour  of  the  nth  ulto.  reed,  and 
would  observe  in  answer  to  the  first  part  of  it,  that  the  Board  of 
Treasury  have  (by  order)  laid  before  Congress  a plan  for  expedit- 
ing the  settlement  of  the  public  Accounts  1 by  which  plan  four 
or  five  thousand  dollars  will  be  Annually  saved,  and  Mr.  Pennet 
will  consiquently  be  discharged,  and  some  other  Person  employed 
for  a short  time  to  bring  the  accounts  in  that  quarter  to  a close, 
but  the  great  inattention  and  negligence  of  the  States  with  regard 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  March  24,  1786. 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1786 


270 


to  their  representation  renders  it  impossible  for  Congress  to  pass 
upon  this  report  and  various  other  matters  in  which  the  wellfare 
of  the  Union  is  deeply  interested  — it  being  a money  matter  there 
being  only  seven  States  represented,  R.  Island  Connecticut  Dela- 
ware Maryland  North  Carolina  and  Georgia  being  absent,  indeed 
the  principle  of  the  confederation  as  it  respects  representation  and 
the  mode  of  voting  is  calculated  to  encourage  delinquency,  there 
is  no  reason  that  Rhode  Island,  Delaware  and  Georgia  should 
have  equal  weight  in  the  federal  councills  with  Massachusetts, 
Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  and  if  the  representation  had  been 
apportiond  according  to  numbers  or  property,  and  a suitable 
quorum  established  and  the  major  vote  to  determine  questions, 
this  inattention  would  not  exist,  but  as  unanimity  is  now  neces- 
sary upon  the  most  trivial  questions  we  feel  all  the  inconveniences 
of  the  liberum  Veto  of  a Polish  Diet,  the  applications  from  our 
foreign  creditors  are  of  such  a nature  as  to  make  a deep  impression 
with  Congress  and  they  have  thought  it  their  duty  again  to  call 
the  consideration  of  the  States  to  the  subject  of  an  Impost,  more 
especially  as  the  situation  of  N.  York  enables  them  so  to  Tax  their 
Neighbours  of  Connecticut  and  N.  Jersey  as  to  creatte  such  a 
temper  in  those  States  as  will  greatly  weaken  if  not  destroy  the 
Union.  The  Assembly  of  N.  Jersey  have  lately  entered  into  a 
resolution  that  they  will  not  comply  with  the  last  or  any  future 
requisition  of  Congress  untill  N.  York  gives  up  their  Impost  or 
applys  it  for  the  general  purposes  of  the  Union,  indeed  there  is 
nothing  but  the  restraining  hand  of  Congress,  (weak  as  it  is),  that 
prevents  N.  Jersey  and  Connecticut  from  entering  the  lists  very 
seriously  with  N.  York  and  bloodshed  would  very  quickly  be  the 
consiquence.  but  however  N.  Jersey  may  suffer  by  her  paying 
taxes,  for  N.  York  her  refusal  to  comply  with  the  requisition  is 
unjustifiable,  and  unless  she  recinds  her  resolution  must  work  the 
end  of  all  federal  Government.  Congress  sent  an  express  to 
demand  an  attested  copy  of  the  resolution,  he  returned  with  it 
last  night,  tomorrow  it  will  be  very  seriously  considered,  but  as 
N.  Jersey  is  one  of  the  seven  States  now  on  the  floor  they  may 
perhaps  embarras  Congress  in  their  proceedings,  they  have  how- 
ever wrote  in  the  most  pressing  manner  for  the  attendance  of  the 


1786] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


271 


delinquent  States.  Congress  yesterday  agreed  on  another  applica- 
tion to  the  States  on  the  subject  of  Commerce,  it  is  plain  from  the 
whole  tenor  of  Mr.  Adams’  letters,  that  unless  Congress  possess 
the  power  of  restricting  the  British  trade  there  is  no  probability 
of  his  being  able  to  do  any  thing  to  purpose  with  that  Court. 
I will  endeavor  as  far  as  I am  able  to  have  an  equitable  adjustment 
of  your  account,  we  do  not  get  any  account  of  the  President’s 
state  of  health,  we  are  therefore  intirely  at  a loss  when  to  expect 
him.  Your  Son  Mr.  Warren  being  returnd  to  Boston  I inclose 
some  letters  which  I red.  under  cover  for  him.  please  to  make  my 
best  respects  to  Mrs.  Warren  and  be  assured  that  I am  with  esteem 
and  regard  your  most  Humble  Servant, 

Nathaniel  Gorham 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  April  30th,  1786 

Dear  Sir,  — I was  a few  days  ago  honoured  with  your  favour 
of  the  12th  of  Deer.  I am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  Attention 
to  my  Son  and  your  favourable,  if  not  partial,  Opinion  of  the 
Merits  of  his  Family.  Winslow  left  Lisbon  and  returned  Home 
last  fall,  after  a disagreeable  residence  there  for  more  than  Twelve 
months  at  a great  Expense,  fully  convinced  of  the  futility  of 
Court  promises,  which  his  former  Experience  could  no  longer 
justify  any  future  dependence  upon,  it  has  been  my  Opinion  that 
Consuls  should  be  appointed  in  several  of  the  European  Ports, 
and  particularly  at  Lisbon,  where  we  have  had  a great  Trade  till 
interrupted  by  the  Algerine  Corsairs,  no  resource  is  so  natural 
and  beneficial  for  the  supply  of  that  great  Branch  of  Business,  the 
Fishery,  as  the  Trade  with  Lisbon  and  Cadiz,  and  I can  scarcely 
conceive  how  it  can  be  supported  without  it,  unless  by  a depend- 
ence on  foreigners  for  the  Importation,  which  must  defeat  all  the 
policy  of  our  Navigation  Acts,  however  founded  in  Policy  or 
(Economy.  How  we  are  to  be  relieved  from  the  Injury  of  those 
Pirates  I am  at  a loss  to  determine,  their  Generosity  will  not  do  it 
and  our  Poverty  cant,  and  if  it  is  not  done  the  Fishery  and  Trade 


272 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1786 


must  be  depressed  and  discouraged.  You  who  are  acquainted  with 
the  Means  the  Agents  to  Algiers  are  possessed  of  can  Judge  of  their 
prospects  of  Success.  I can  only  wish  them  Success.  I can  form 
some  Idea  of  the  difficulty  and  delay  of  your  Treaties  which  render 
their  Completion  uncertain  even  to  the  best  Informed.  The 
Trade  with  Britain,  if  it  has  been  attended  with  the  same  loss  and 
disappointment  to  them,  has  almost  ruined  us,  and  with  their  own 
Conduct  may  Justify  a severe  Navigation  Act  with  regard  to 
them,  but  I am  not  so  well  satisfied  of  the  .propriety  of  it  with 
regard  to  any  other  Nation,  tho’  I think  the  policy  of  the  French 
in  their  duty  on  our  Fish  and  the  Bountys  on  their  own  very 
absurd.  I wish  I could  see  for  the  Benefit  of  Mankind  a fair 
Experiment  made  of  a Government  supported  without  Duties  or 
Bounties,  at  least  that  they  should  operate  only  as  prohibitions 
or  severe  restrictions,  without  any  regard  to  a revenue,  in  that 
case  even  those  in  question  might  not  have  existed. 

if  our  Oil  can  find  a Market  in  France  it  will,  I think,  disconcert 
the  views  of  the  British  Ministry  and  be  very  advantageous  to  us 
as  well  as  to  the  Commerce  of  France.  I took  great  pains  to 
impress  the  Marquiss  de  Fayate  with  proper  Sentiments  on  that 
subject  when  here  last,  and  have  reason  from  his  Letters  to  sup- 
pose it  has  had  a good  Effect. 

I know  you  wish  to  be  Informed  of  the  situation  of  your  be- 
loved Country,  it  would  give  me  pleasure  to  gratify  you.  in 
former  Times,  when  you  was  absent,  I used  to  attempt  it;  but  it  is 
now  so  novel  and  so  extraordinary  that  I dare  not  undertake  the 
Task.  The  constant  drain  of  Specie  to  make  remittances  for 
Baubles  Imported  from  England  is  so  great  as  to  occasion  an 
extream  Scarcity.  Commerce  is  ruined  and,  what  is  worse,  the 
husbandry  and  Manufactures  of  the  Country  cannot  be  supported, 
the  only  Branch  of  Business  that  promises  any  Success  is  the 
Fishery,  and  that  is  greatly  Injured  from  the  same  Cause.  No 
Debts  can  be  paid,  or  Taxes  collected,  the  first  are  severely  de- 
manded by  multiplied  Law  suits;  the  last  are  become  more 
necessary  than  ever  by  the  wants  of  the  public.  Our  General 
Court  sets  often  and  long,  do  little  and  give  no  satisfaction  to 
their  Constituents.  Paper  Money,  Tenders  of  Lands,  etc.,  sus- 


1786] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


273 


pension  of  Law  processes,  and  a variety  of  Expedients  are  pro- 
posed and  nothing  adopted.  A total  Change  in  principles  and 
Manners,  Interest  is  the  great  Object,  the  only  Pursuit,  and 
Riches  only  respected,  everything  seems  verging  to  confusion  and 
anarchy  and  certainly  great  Wisdom  and  Address  are  necessary 
to  prevent  it.  Our  Elections  have  been  much  the  same  this  as  the 
last  Year,  indeed  when  a Man  is  once  in  it  is  for  Life.  A repetition 
annually  is  nugatory,  few  attend  the  Meetings  and  hardly  one 
inquired  further  than  who  was  in  last  and  vote  for  him  again 
without  the  trouble  of  recuring  to  Principles,  or  tracing  Conse- 
quences. 

Be  assured  no  Body  can  wish  you  and  Family  more  happiness, 
or  desire  more  to  see  you  in  the  Vicinity  than  your  Friends  on 
Milton  Hill,  make  our  Compliments  to  Mrs.  Adams  and  Love  to 
Nabby.  I am  your  Friend  and  Servant, 

Jas.  Warren 

Will  you  give  me  your  Opinion  of  the  Encyclopedia  and  whether 
it  be  worth  purchasing. 

if  it  would  not  be  an  Impertinent  request  to  a Minister  of  State, 
I would  ask  the  favour  to  send  me  the  Gent’n  pocket  Farrier  and 
Trusler’s  practical  Husbandry.1  I will  pay  the  Cost  to  your  order 
here.  R.  Baldwin  Pater  Noster  Row.  A Charming  Enthusiasm  is 
prevailing  for  Agriculture. 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

London,  May  24,  1786 

My  dear  Madam, — The  affliction  under  which  you  are  now 
laboring  has  been  protracted  to  a much  longer  period,  than  I 
feard  when  I first  left  America,  it  was  then  I Buried  the  Dear 
and  amiable  youth,2  for  whose  loss  your  maternal  Bosom  heaves 
the  sad  sigh,  and  over  whose  urn,  all  who  knew  him  must  drop  a 
tear  of  affectionate  remembrance. 


1 John  Trusler  (1735-1820),  whose  Practical  Husbandry  was  first  published  in  1780. 

2 Charles  Warren,  who  died  at  St.  Lucar.  Verses  by  the  mother  are  in  her  Poems,  240. 


274  IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1786 


Long  at  his  couch  Death  took  his  patient  Stand 
And  menanc’d  oft  and  oft  withheld  the  blow 
To  give  reflection  time  with  lenient  art 
Each  fond  Delusion  from  his  Soul  to  steal 
Teach  him  from  folly  peaceably  to  part 
And  wean  him  from  a World,  he  lov’d  so  well 

nor  were  the  admonitions  given  in  vain,  the  last  visit  which  I 
made  him  I saw  in  his  languid  countanance,  the  Smile  of  compla- 
cent resignation  to  the  will  of  Heaven. 

What  ever  farce  the  Boastfull  Hero  plays 
Virtue  alone  has  Majesty  in  Death. 

Be  this  your  consolation  that  tho  young  in  Years,  he  was 
mature  in  virtue,  that  he  lived  beloved  and  died  lamented,  and 
who  that  lives  to  riper  years  can  ensure  more  to  themselves. 

Let  not  the  popular  torrent  which  at  present  sets  against  your 
worthy  partner  distress  you,  time  will  convince  the  World  who 
are  their  approved  and  unshaken  Friends,  whatever  mistaken 
judgments  they  at  present  form.  I foresaw  this  when  I so  ear- 
nestly pressd  the  General  to  accept  his  last  appointment  and  attend 
Congress,  if  only  for  a few  Months. 

all  that  is  well  intended  is  not  well  received,  the  consciousness 
of  doing  our  Duty  is  however  a support,  but  the  designing  Jack- 
daw will  sometimes  borrow  the  plumes  of  the  Jay  and  pass  him- 
self off  to  those  who  judge  only  by  appearances. 

you  appear  to  think  your  Friend  at  the  height  of  prosperity,  and 
swallowed  up  by  the  Gayetyes  of  Europe,  but  the  estimate  is  far 
from  the  truth.  I am  much  less  addicted  to  them  than  most  of  my 
fair  countrymen  whom  I have  left  behind  me.  I do  not  feel  myself 
at  all  captivated,  either  with  the  Manners  or  politicks  of  Europe 
I think  our  own  Country  much  the  happiest  spot  upon  the  Globe, 
as  much  as  it  needs  reforming  and  amending.  I should  think  it 
still  happier,  if  the  inclination  was  more  wanting  than  the  ability, 
to  vie  with  the  Luxeries  and  extravagance  of  Europe. 

Be  so  good  my  dear  Madam  as  to  present  my  best  respects  to 
your  worthy  partner,  and  affectionate  remembrance  to  your  Sons, 
and  be  assured  I am  at  all  times  Your  Friend. 


Abigail  Adams 


1 786] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


2 IS 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  Adams  mss. 

London,  May  24,  1786 

Madam, — I this  day  received  your  favor  of  April  8th  and  sin- 
cerely condole  with  you  under  the  loss  of  your  amiable  son. 
These  afflictions  are  the  lot  of  humanity  and  so  little  of  the  system 
of  which  we  are  a part  is  submitted  to  our  view,  that  as  we  never 
can  discover  the  reasons  of  them,  they  are  left  only  to  our  Reflec- 
tions and  submission. 

My  situation  would  be  eligible  to  the  height  of  my  wishes,  if  I 
saw  a disposition  in  this  Country  friendly  to  mine,  or  even  friendly 
to  their  own  true  Interests,  but  the  fact  is  far  otherwise. 

To  see  as  I do  the  affairs  of  my  Country  everywhere  laboring 
under  embarrassments,  to  know  that  thousands  are  looking  up  to 
me  for  relief  from  their  distresses,  and  to  have  no  power  to  do  the 
least  thing  for  their  assistance,  is  painful  beyond  all  expression. 
You  speak  of  honors,  Madam;  but  what  honors  have  been  de- 
creed to  me?  Do  you  suppose  I am  honored  in  this  Country?  The 
Refugees  indeed  honor  me  now  and  then,  as  you  see  in  the  news- 
papers. You  speak  of  affluence  too.  If  I were  my  own  master  and 
could  I spend  what  is  allowed  me  as  I should  choose,  I should  live 
in  affluence  indeed;  but  when  you  consider  that  I have  a Rank  to 
support  here  that  I hold  in  trust  for  others,  and  that  this  Rank 
cannot  be  let  down,  without  betraying  that  trust,  you  may  de- 
pend upon  it,  I am  driven  to  my  wits’  ends  for  means. 

I know  of  no  change  at  Braintree  or  Weymouth  in  their  politi- 
cal friendships,  but  one  thing  I know,  that  a good  Profession,  or 
even  trade,  is  better  for  the  Individual  than  all  Politicks.  Our 
Country  will  do  like  all  others  — play  their  affairs  into  the  Hands 
of  a few  cunning  fellows,  and  leave  their  faithful  servants  to  close 
their  long  glories  with  a sigh  to  find  the  unwilling  Gratitude 
of  base  mankind.  Yet  I don’t  wholly  approve  this  sentiment. 
Human  nature  is  not  ungrateful.  But  while  many  rate  their 
merits  higher  than  the  truth,  it  is  almost  impossible  that  the 
public  mind  should  be  exactly  informed  to  whom  they  are  really 
obliged. 

Real  services  are  never  held  out  to  view.  The  modesty  of  the 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1786 


276 


individual,  the  Jealousy  of  Rivals,  or  the  public  Interest,  require 
that  they  should  be  concealed.  Do  you  wonder  then  that  osten- 
sible pageants  should  be  adored,  while  those  who  moved  the 
springs  are  neglected.  I expect  my  turn  and  am  prepared  for  it 
in  my  own  mind.  My  family  and  circumstances  are  not  prepared 
for  it  by  any  means.  Yet  they  must  come  to  it  — I always  foresaw 
it  and  shall  meet  it  firmly. 

At  least  I believe  so.  I wish  my  friend  Warren  in  public  Life, 
because  I know  he  would  be  useful  there. 

But  his  numerous  refusals  I am  informed  are  made  use  of 
against  him,  and  I really  fear  will  prevail.  I expect  to  be  myself 
in  private  Life  very  soon  and  in  his  neighborhood,  and  I don’t 
despair  of  going  even  sometimes  to  Plymouth  inferior  Court  to 
get  my  bread  and  my  boys  thro’  the  Colledge.  The  young  Rogues 
shall  not  be  disappointed  of  their  Education,  if  I am  obliged  to 
draw  Justice’s  writs  to  attain  it.  I am  obliged  in  Europe  to  spend 
immense  sums  in  support  of  dignity,  but  I’ll  be  hanged  if  I trouble 
my  head  about  it  in  private  Life  in  America.  I am,  Madam,  your 

J.  Adams 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

London,  July  4,  1786 

Dear  Sir,  — Your  Favour  of  30.  April,  is  arrived.  I am  sur- 
prized to  read  in  your  Letter  that  “our  Poverty  can’t  relieve  Us 
from  the  Piracies  of  the  Algerines.”  Are  the  thirteen  United  States 
then  not  worth  two  or  three  hundred  Thousand  Guineas?  Sup- 
pose they  borrow  it  at  Six  per  Cent,  there  will  be  Eighteen 
thousand  Guineas  to  pay  yearly.  We  now  loose  a Million  sterling 
a Year,  by  this  War.  Are  we  able  to  loose  a Million  and  not  pay 
Eighteen  Thousand  Pounds?  Give  Congress  Power  and  let  them 
lay  on  Duties  upon  Imports  or  Exports  upon  thirteen  states 
sufficient  to  pay  this  Interest  and  you  may  borrow  the  Money. 
But  I never  heard  or  read  of  Sluggards,  who  saw  so  many  fan- 
tastical Lions  in  the  way,  as  our  People  appear  to  have  seen  since 
the  Peace. 


1786]  IVarren -Adams  Letters  277 


Our  Oil  may  find  a Market  in  every  City  where  a Lamp  is 
burn’d  in  the  night,  if  our  Merchants  will  take  Pains  by  Samples 
and  Experiments  to  Shew  the  Inhabitants  the  Superior  Qualities 
of  our  Sperma  Ceti  Oil. 

The  Picture  you  draw  of  the  Ruin  of  the  Country  is  horrible. 
Bad  as  it  may  be,  Paper  Money  or  a suspension  of  Law  Processes, 

I will  venture  to  say  would  make  it  much  worse.  I cannot  be  of 
your  opinion  that  there  is  a “total  Change  in  Principles  and 
manners”  nor  that  “Interest  is  the  only  Pursuit,”  nor  that 
“Riches  only  are  respected.”  If  you  look  back  to  the  year  1760 
and  from  thence  to  1774,  you  will  find  that  Interest  was  courted 
and  Riches  respected,  by  as  many,  as  they  were  during  the  War, 
and  during  the  War  by  as  many,  as  since  the  Peace,  as  great  a 
Number  of  Men  of  Merit,  who  are  poor  are  respected  now,  as  were 
respected  at  any  time  since  our  Memory,  it  is  most  certain  that 
our  Countrymen,  are  not  and  never  were,  Spartans  in  their  Con- 
tempt of  Wealth,  and  I will  go  farther  and  say  they  ought  not  to 
be.  Such  a Trait  in  their  Character  would  render  them  lazy 
Drones,  unfit  for  the  Agriculture  Manufactures  Fisheries,  and 
Commerce,  and  Population  of  their  Country:  and  fit  only  for 
War.  I am  never  apprehensive  of  Anarchy,  because  I know  there 
is  Wisdom  and  Address  enough  to  prevent  it. 

All  Things  must  tend  to  restore  publick  Faith  and  Confidence. 
The  Debt  must  be  funded  and  the  Interest  paid.  This  will  put  an 
End  to  that  Speculation  in  public  Paper,  which  now  employs  all 
the  Capitals,  and  produce  a Circulation  that  will  relieve  every 
Distress. 

The  Encyclopaedia  is  a valuable  Collection  of  Knowledge  and 
worth  the  Money.  The  Gentleman’s  Pocket  Farrier  and  Trusler’s 
practical  Husbandry,  I will  endeavour  to  send  you.  You  may  pay 
Dr.  Tufts  for  them. 

The  Enthusiasm  for  Agriculture  like  Virtue  will  be  its  own 
Reward,  may  it  run  and  be  glorified. 

I have  given  my  Daughter  1 to  Col.  Smith,2  a Man  of  Merit 
formed  in  the  School  of  his  Countries  Afflictions.  I shall  want  her 
Company,  in  my  old  Age,  but  the  Conveniences  of  Parents  are 

1 Abigail  Adams  (1765-1813).  2 William  Stephens  Smith  (1755-1816). 


278 


barren -Adams  Letters  [1786 


not  the  principal  Points  to  be  consulted,  in  the  Marriages  of 
Children.  The  young  Couple  appear  to  be  very  happy,  and  may 
they  continue  so  as  long  as  they  live. 

To  return  to  Politicks,  our  Countrymen  are  not  yet  informed  of 
the  magical  Effects  of  Circulation,  and  of  the  ruin  of  Stagnation. 
Stagnation  must  exist  and  Circulation  can  never  take  place  in 
Society  where  there  is  not  Confidence  of  the  Members  in  the 
Public  and  in  one  Another.  This  Confidence  never  will  be 
restored,  untill  the  Debt  is  funded  and  all  Apprehensions  of 
Paper  Knavery  is  annihilated  The  only  Way  and  the  effectual 
Way  to  restore  our  affairs  is  for  every  Wise  and  good  Man  to 
Unite  in  restoring  Confidence  in  the  Public. 

With  great  Esteem  and  regard,  I am,  dear  Sir,  your  most  obe- 
dient and  humble  Sert., 

John  Adams 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  Octo.  22d,  1786 

My  dear  Sir,  — A few  days  since  I had  the  pleasure  of  receiv- 
ing yours  of  the  4th  July.  You  think  the  picture  I gave  you  in  my 
last  too  high  wrought;  You  cannot  be  of  my  Opinion  that  there  is 
here  a total  Change  in  Principles  and  Manners,  nor  that  Interest 
is  the  only  pursuit  and  that  Riches  only  are  respected. 

Your  distance  will  not  permit  you  to  form  your  Opinion  from 
your  own  Observation.  Your  partiality  for  your  Country  Inclines 
you  to  more  favourable  Accounts  and  that  Patriotism  which  I 
revere  exhibits  to  your  Imagination  more  agreable  Colours  and 
like  self  Love  hides  those  deformities  which  disgust  and  give  pain. 
I sincerely  wish  that  the  present  situation  of  the  Country  was 
such  as  to  Justify  your  partiality  and  wishes,  and  to  Condemn  any 
picture  and  the  Opinion  and  Apprehensions  I expressed  to  you, 
but  unhappily  it  does  not.  We  are  now  in  a State  of  Anarchy  and 
Confusion  bordering  on  a Civil  War.  The  General  Court  at  their 
last  Session  could  not,  or  would  not,  see  the  general  Uneasiness 
that  threatened  this  Event,  however,  they  did  not  provide  for  the 


1786] 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters 


2 79 


public  Tranquility  during  their  recess,  but  dosed  themselves  into 
an  unusual  Adjournment  for  six  or  seven  months.  They  have  been 
called  to  meet  on  the  present  Occasion  sooner  than  the  Time  ad- 
journed to;  have  set  near  a Month  without  any  Appearance  of 
that  Wisdom  and  Address  necessary  to  redress  the  unhappy  Situa- 
tion we  are  fallen  into.  I do  not  say  that  they  are  Incompetent  to 
the  Business  before  them,  or  that  the  State  of  things  is  Incapable 
of  redress;  but  it  is  possible  (at  least)  that  they  should  set  till  next 
Election  without  devising  the  mode  of  doing  it.  The  Papers  will 
Inform  you  that  the  Three  upper  Counties  (and  Bristol  is  not 
much  better)  have  refused  submission  to  the  Government  estab- 
lished by  the  Constitution  and  Obedience  to  the  Laws  made  under 
it;  that  is,  they  have  violated  their  Compact  and  are  in  a State  of 
Rebellion,  while  the  three  Eastern  Counties  are  petitioning  to  be 
separated  from  us  and  formed  into  a new  Government  of  their 
own  Construction.  These  are  very  singular  Events,  which  must 
have  been  produced  by  some  singular  Causes;  if  they  are  the 
natural  Consequences  of  that  state  of  things  I described  in  my 
last,  you  will  not  think  my  picture  more  horrible  than  the  reality. 
I have  long  been  mortified  by  the  Imbecility  and  Inattention  with 
which  our  public  Affairs  have  been  Conducted,  it  is  probable  that 
when  I wrote  that  Letter  I felt  also  some  Indignation.  I claim  a 
right  to  express  it  to  you.  my  small  Efforts  were  Joined  with 
yours  and  others  for  many  Years  in  raising  a Glorious  Fabrick 
on  Foundations  that  should  have  been  as  permanent  as  Time,  but 
suffered  to  fall  into  ruin  in  less  than  half  the  Time  it  took  to  build 
it.  I feel  for  the  Character  of  the  Country.  I am  mortified  at  the 
Triumphs  of  our  Enemies.  I am  sorry  for  you,  who  must  from 
your  situation  be  peculiarly  exposed  to  them.  I wish  everything 
may  be  so  Conducted  as  to  restore  Order  and  submission  to 
Government;  but  I fear  it  will  be  some  time  first.  The  Scarcity  of 
Money  is  a great  Obstacle  and  the  folly  and  Extravagance  that 
made  it  scarce  in  a great  degree  remains.  I am  acquainted  with 
Coll.  Smith’s  Character,  tho’  I have  not  the  pleasure  of  knowing 
his  Person.  I am  glad  you  have  given  your  Daughter  to  a man  of 
so  much  Merit.  Please  to  give  her  my  Blessing  and  good  Wishes. 
Mrs.  Warren  desires  her  regards  to  be  Joined  with  mine  to  Mr. 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1787 


280 


and  Mrs.  Adams  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith.  I am  with  great 
Esteem  and  regard  your  most  obedt.  Humble  Servt. 

James  Warren 

26th.  I have  just  heard  that  the  Supream  Court  are  setting  at 
Taunton,  supported  by  450  of  the  Militia  which  proved  a stronger 
Body  than  the  Mob  mustered  to  prevent  it. 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Grosvenor  Square,  Jan.  9,  1787 

Dear  Sir, — I have  received,  your  Favour  of  October  the  22d 
and  am  sorry  to  find  you  so  true  a Prophet.  Yet  I am  happy  to 
perceive  that  Government  arrouses  itself  with  some  degree  of 
Dignity,  and  is  likely  to  prevail.  It  is  apparent  however  that 
Discontents,  and  a restless  Temper,  have  taken  a deep  root  and 
will  require  much  Prudence  as  well  as  firmness,  to  guard  against 
their  Tendency.  When  We  find  ourselves  disposed  to  think  there 
is  a total  Change  of  manners  and  Principles  We  should  recollect, 
what  the  manners  and  Principles  were  before  the  War.  if  you 
recollect  the  War  of  1755,  or  even  the  War  of  1745,  you  must  re- 
member, very  Signal  Proofs  of  a.  disposition  in  our  People,  to  run 
eagerly  after  foreign  manners  and  Fashions,  if  you  begin  at  1760, 
and  recollect,  how  many  Persons  satt  out  with  Us,  on  the  same 
side  of  the  political  question,  and  were  warned  off,  some  by  little 
Marks  of  distinction,  some  by  little  offices  and  some  by  great  ones, 
some  by  their  avarice,  others  by  their  ambition,  some  by  their 
vanity,  others  by  their  fears,  some  by  envy  and  others  by  Revenge, 
how  much  difficulty  there  was  to  keep  the  People  steady,  but  espe- 
cially those  who  flattered  themselves  they  were  Leaders,  You  will 
be  very  sensible  that  our  Countrymen  have  never  merited  the 
Character  of  very  exalted  Virtue,  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that 
they  should  have  grown  much  better.  I find  myself  very  much 
averse  to  believe  that  they  are  grown  much  worse.  Yet  this  is  very 
possible  and  your  Situation  affords  you  opportunities  to  know, 
which  I have  not.  if  it  is  indeed  true,  that  there  is  a general  De- 


1787] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


281 


generacy,  it  is  an  allarming  Consideration.  The  great  Question  is 
what  can  be  done  to  check  its  further  Growth,  or  to  restore  Things 
to  their  former  State?  When  at  home  in  1779  I remarked  a general 
Caution,  and  I thought  timidity  among  the  leading  Characters, 
which  made  me  apprehensive  of  disagreable  Consequences.  If  the 
People  are  upon  the  Watch,  and  are  laying  hold  of  every  unpopu- 
lar Idea  or  Expression,  to  propagate  it,  to  exagerate  it  and  to  mis- 
represent it,  this  will  naturally  make  Men  afraid  to  pursue  their 
own  Judgments.  Symptoms  of  this  I thought  appeared,  and  I 
should  not  wonder  if  the  best  Men  became  unpopular.  There  is  no 
Remedy,  but  a general  Conviction  of  the  danger,  and  a general 
Agreement  against  it.  My  own  Sentiments  differ  very  widely 
from  many  of  the  best  Characters,  even  from  Mr.  Adams  and 
General  Warren.  I think  the  first  Magistrate  must  be  sett  up  very 
high  in  real  Power  as  well  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  People,  without 
this  we  may  lament  Disorders  but  never  cure  them.  The  Appear- 
ance of  County  Conventions  and  their  Resolutions,  set  me  upon 
throwing  together  some  Disquisitions  concerning  our  Govern- 
ments, which  are  now  printed.  I will  send  you  a Copy  of  it.1 
Popularity  was  never  my  Mistress,  nor  was  I ever,  or  shall  I ever 
be  a popular  Man.  This  Book  will  make  me  unpopular.  But  one 
Thing  I know  a Man  must  be  sensible  of  the  Errors  of  the  People, 
and  upon  his  Guard  against  them,  and  must  run  the  risque  of 
their  Displeasure  sometimes,  or  he  will  never  do  them  any  good 
in  the  long  run.  I deliver  the  Book  up,  to  the  Mercy  of  a World, 
that  will  never  show  me  much  Mercy,  as  my  Confession  of  politi- 
cal Faith.  Unpopular  as  it  may  be  at  present,  the  time  will  come, 
after  I am  dead,  when  the  System  of  it  in  general  must  be  adopted, 
with  bitter  repentance  that  it  was  not  heeded  sooner.  It  is  much 
easier  to  pull  down  a Government,  in  such  a Conjuncture  of 
affairs  as  We  have  seen,  than  to  build  up,  at  such  a Season  as  the 
present,  if  the  Massachusetts  can  be  governed  without  a total 
Seperation  of  the  Executive  Power  from  the  Senate,  the  House 
and  the  People,  I am  altogether  ignorant  of  the  Character  of  that 
People,  and  have  not  made  one  Sound  Observation  upon  the 

1 Defense  of  the  Constitutions  of  Government  of  tke  United  States,  published  in  London, 
1787. 


282 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1787 


History  of  Nations.  My  Situation  here  is  mournfull  and  unpleas- 
ant enough,  and  it  would  not  be  more  gay,  anywhere  else.  You 
and  I have  not  had  an  easy  task  in  Life  hitherto,  and  I at  least 
have  no  Cause  to  hope  that  mine  will  become  easier.  But  I will 
be  as  cheerful  and  contented  under  it,  as  I can,  let  it  be  what  it 
will. 

My  Family  joins  me,  in  affectionate  Respects  to  yours,  and  I 
remain  with  unalterable  Esteem,  your  friend  and  humble  Servant 

John  Adams 

inclosed  is  a Letter  of  Mr.  Hartley’s,  it  contains  Knowledge 
of  Iron,  that  may  be  useful  in  America. 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  26  Feb.,  1787 

Madam,  — I have  just  been  honored  with  a very  short  visit 
from  General  Warren.  He  reminded  me  of  my  duty  with  respect 
to  the  manuscript,  which  you  was  pleased  to  intrust  me  with.  I 
should  have  returned  it  with  my  own  hand,  in  order  at  the  same 
time  to  have  expressed  the  pleasure  which  the  perusal  of  it  gave 
me,  but  one  of  my  hands  has  been  so  lame  owing  to  its  being 
frozen  in  the  march  of  the  third  instant,  that  it  has  been  exceed- 
ingly inconvenient  to  me  to  ride.  Harry  stood  the  fatigue  ex- 
ceedingly well  and  was  not  frozen  at  all. 

I acknowledge  that  I was  in  some  measure  prevented  from  the 
full  enjoyment  of  your  history,  by  a cause  which  you  mentioned 
when  you  delivered  the  book  to  me.  But  notwithstanding  that 
difficulty,  it  appears  to  me  that  the  stile  is  nervous  and  perspicu- 
ous and  flowing.  The  facts  are  justly  and  methodically  narrated. 
The  characters,  which  indeed  form  the  most  difficult  part  of  his- 
tory, appear  to  be  accurately  defined,  and  so  far  as  I have  had 
opportunity  to  be  acquainted  with  them  to  be  perfectly  just.  But 
you  must  not  charge  me  with  trimming  when  I start  the  following 
query.  The  Royalists  constantly  attributed  to  Mr.  Hutchinson  a 
character  for  great  abilities.  Though  we  cannot  form  a very  high 


i7§  7] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


283 


opinion  of  the  political  talents  of  a man  who  has  made  the  estab- 
lishment of  a particular  system  the  pursuit  of  his  whole  life,  and  is 
disappointed  in  the  attainment  of  his  object:  yet  would  it  not  be 
better  to  give  him,  on  the  credit  of  his  own  party,  a little  unde- 
served praise,  to  procure  their  judgment  in  favor  of  the  work? 
You  know  already  my  opinion  of  the  former  Governor,  and  that 
it  is  not  mine  alone.  These  are  the  only  things  which  occurred  to 
me  as  rendering  a revision  expedient.  I cannot  suppose  that  mere 
slips  of  the  pen  were  included  in  your  injunctions.  The  remarks 
now  made  are  not  grounded  on  any  acquaintance  I had  with  Mr. 
Hjutchinson.]  The  dispute  ran  so  high  before  I was  able  to  judge 
of  the  controversy,  that  every  man  had  taken  his  side,  and  of 
course  I was  acquainted  with  only  the  leaders  on  one  side.  The 
friendship  which  has  long  subsisted  between  our  families  and  which 
may  properly  be  considered  as  hereditary,  will  when  considered 
by  your  good  sense  and  a very  small  share  of  your  candor,  be  my 
apology  for  the  freedom  of  the  present  remarks.  I have  the  honor 
to  be,  Madam,  with  much  esteem  Your  most  Obedt.  Servant, 

James  Winthrop 


Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren 

I thank  you,  dear  Madam,  for  the  favor  of  your  letter  of  the 
sixth  of  January.  The  having  seen  and  conversed  in  person  with 
the  Author  gave  an  additional  pleasure  to  the  renewal  of  our  old 
correspondence. 

We  have  indeed  been  much  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  the  infant 
Governments  of  America  and  I sincerely  hope  that  this  attempt 
to  disturb  the  public  tranquility  will  like  most  others  of  the  same 
Nature  when  they  fail  only  serve  to  give  it  a more  permanent 
establishment.  I have  heard  that  things  are  grown  better  in  many 
ways  since  I left  America,  the  high  price  of  provision  be  lowered 
and  I hope  the  tast  for  the  Luxuries  of  Europe  decreased,  indeed 
I always  flattered  myself  that  the  mortifications  you  have  sus- 
tained on  the  article  of  commerce  and  the  disappointment  of  Land 
not  taking  a great  rise  after  the  Revolution  from  the  incoming  of 


284 


JVl irren  -Adams  Letters  [ 1787 


forreign  Settlers  will  rather  prove  advantageous  in  the  event  of 
things  than  otherwise. 

Mr.  Adams  has  published  a Defence  of  the  American  Constitu- 
tions I have  not  yet  had  time  to  read  it,  therefore  can  give  you  no 
account  of  it;  but  I suppose  you  will  have  received  a copy  before 
this  comes  to  hand 

We  are  now  upon  the  Eve  of  a Treaty  with  France  1 which  is  in  a 
stile  of  politicks  so  new  to  this  Country  and  so  agreable  to  the 
present  views  of  our  old  enemy  that  it  alarms  many;  yet  the  two 
houses  of  parliament  seem  only  to  have  considered  it  as  a party 
business,  tho  it  might  have  been  imagined  that  the  spirit  of  re- 
formation which  has  taken  place  in  the  counsels  of  that  formidable 
power  would  have  produced  more  serious  and  anxious  debates 
and  more  deliberate  conclusions  I thank  you,  Dear  Madam,  for 
your  kind  wishes  and  do  most  sincerely  return  them  by  earnest 
desires  and  hopes  that  you  may  never  again  experience  the  sorrows 
you  have  felt. 

I was  happy  to  hear  that  Mrs.  Russel  had  brought  so  agreable 
an  addition  to  Mr.  Russel’s  felicity  as  a child,  and  I sincerely 
hope  that  it  has  not  been  clouded  with  the  loss  which  rumour 
says  he  has  sustained  in  one  of  his  ships  taken  by  an  Algerine 
Corsair. 

When  you  see  our  mutual  friend  Mr.  Gerry  I shall  be  obliged  to 
you  if  you  will  make  our  compliments  of  congratulation  on  his 
marriage  2 which  tho  an  event  of  an  old  date  we  only  heard  this 
winter  by  Dr.  Prevost 3 the  Bishop  of  New  York. 

You  flatter  me  much,  Dear  Madam,  in  interesting  yourself  on 
the  subject  of  my  composition  my  present  thoughts  are  employed 
on  education  for  tho  the  History  of  your  late  glorious  revolution 
is  what  I should  certainly  undertake  were  I again  young,  yet  as 
things  are  I must  for  many  reasons  decline  the  task. 

My  Daughter  I thank  God  enjoys  at  present  a perfect  state  of 
health  she  is  much  obliged  by  your  remembrance  and  joins  me  and 
Mr.  Graham  in  best  compliments  to  your  self  Genl.  Warren  and 

1 The  treaty  negotiated  by  William  Eden  and  Dupont  de  Nemours. 

2 To  a daughter  of  James  Thompson  of  New  York. 

3 Samuel  Provoost  (1742-1815). 


1787] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


285 


family.  From  Dear  Madam  Your  Very  Sincere  Friend  And  Obedt. 
Servt. 

Cath:  Macaulay  Graham 

Knights  bridge,  near  London,  March  6,  ’87. 

pray  make  our  compliments  to  Mr.  Otys’s  family  and  to  your 
Sister  and  to  General  Lincoln  and  his  family. 


Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warren 

General  Lincoln  presents  his  respectful  compliments  to  General 
Warren  and  Lady.  Whilst  he  mingles  his  joys  with  those  of  their 
other  friends  on  the  safe  return  of  their  son  Major  Warren,1  he 
begs  leave  to  add  his  warm  congratulations  on  the  very  important 
and  felicitating  circumstance  that  in  addition  to  a knowledge  of 
duty  he  has  ever  discharged  it  with  ability  and  the  greatest 
punctuality.  He  has  not  only  merited,  but  has  gained  the  esteem 
of  all  who  have  been  happy  enough  to  form  an  acquaintance  with 
him. 

Monday  morn, 

12  March,  1787. 


Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox  Knox  mss. 

Milton,  May  2d,  1787 

Sir,  — From  your  extensive  acquaintance,  connexions  and 
Correspondence,  I am  sensible  you  cannot  wish  to  see  a new  sig- 
nature to  your  address.  Nor  should  I interrupt  the  thread  of 
political  attention,  or  break  in  on  the  more  agreable  moment  of 
polite  amusement,  but  from  the  habits  of  Friendship  which  for 
several  Years  has  subsisted  between  yourself  and  his  parents,  a 
son  of  mine  has  requested  me  to  apply  to  you  in  a small  affair 
relative  to  bussiness.  This  young  Gentleman  in  common  with 
many  in  these  days  of  commercial  embarasment  has  had  the 

1 Henry  Warren. 


286 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1787 


misfortune  to  suffer  many  disappointments  in  the  mercantile  line, 
which  has  obliged  him  to  bring  his  affairs  to  a certain  point  and 
offer  an  equal  dividend  to  his  Creditors,  and  he  now  only  waits 
for  an  answer  to  a Letter  wrote  several  weeks  since  to  your 
Brother  on  a matter  of  no  considerable  moment  which  yet  I 
understand  cannot  be  negotiated  with  Mr.  Breck1  without  his 
consent. 

By  Mr.  Breck  and  by  all  else  (except  in  one  very  singular 
instance)  he  has  been  treated  in  the  most  delicate  and  polite 
manner. 

But  as  it  is  both  proper  and  equitable  that  each  creditor  should 
receive  a similar  proposition,  the  settlement  of  all  his  affairs  now 
only  remain  at  a stand  till  Mr.  Breck  shall  receive  an  intimation 
from  Mr.  W.  Knox  that  he  is  at  liberty  to  compound  in  the  same 
manner  that  other  Gentlemen  have  already  consented.  Your 
Goodness  of  disposition,  without  the  additional  motive  of  Friend- 
ship which  we  have  the  honour  to  Claim,  I am  confident  would 
lead  you  to  wish  a young  person  in  the  meridian  of  active  life 
might  as  soon  as  possible  be  extricated  from  any  further  impedi- 
ments to  usefulness  and  industry.  I therefore  think  I am  certain 
it  will  not  be  many  days  before  either  yourself  or  Brother  will  pay 
the  necessary  attention  to  this  request  and  authorise  Mr.  Breck 
to  act  agreable  to  his  own  and  to  the  inclination  of  every  other 
Gentleman  of  Generosity  and  Benevolence. 

You  will  not  fail  to  make  my  best  Compliments  to  Mrs.  Knox, 
shall  not  we  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  both  in  the  environs 
of  Boston  in  the  Course  of  the  ensuing  season.  In  the  interim 
your  Friends  on  Milton  hill  would  be  gratifyd  in  knowing  how  the 
political  Hemisphere  opens  to  your  eye  on  the  important  spring 
of  ’87. 

But  if  you,  sir,  should  judge  that  inquiries  of  this  nature  are  not 
altogether  consonant  to  Female  Genius,  then  tell  us  the  Grada- 
tions of  Theatrical  improvement  and  anything  that  will  do  honour 
to  the  taste,  the  understanding,  or  the  heart  of  a single  American, 
either  as  a writer,  a Hero,  a statesman,  or  an  Honest  man. 

I know  the  amor  patriae  burns  too  strongly  in  your  breast  to 

1 Samuel  Breck. 


1787] 


barren -Adams  Letters 


287 


consider  these  as  frivolous  inquiries.  But  till  further  encouraged 
I will  check  the  laudable  curiosity  of  my  sex:  yet  not  deny  that  a 
full  share  thereof  occupies  the  bosom  of  your  sincere  Friend  and 
very  Humble  servant, 

M.  Warren 

Of  Genl.  Warren’s  compliments  and  best  wishes  General  Knox 
and  Lady  may  ever  be  assured. 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

London,  May  14,  1787 

My  dear  Madam,  — I have  lately  been  reading  Mrs.  Mon- 
tague’s essays  upon  the  Genious  and  writings  of  Shakspear,1  and 
I am  so  well  pleased  with  them;  that  I take  the  Liberty  of  present- 
ing them  to  you.  the  Lady  is  still  living,  a widow,2  and  possessd 
of  an  ample  fortune,  without  any  children.  She  has  a Nephew 
who  bears  the  same  name  and  has  lately  been  returnd  a Member 
to  Parliament.  I should  have  wished  to  have  formed  an  acquaint- 
ance with  her,  if  I had  not  learnt  that  she  was  a violent  Anti 
American,  tho  a sister  of  a Mr.  Robinson  3 who  has  written  some 
things  in  favour  of  our  Country,  and  who  has  always  been  Friendly 
to  our  cause. 

I have  resided  in  this  Country  near  two  years  and  in  that  time, 
I have  made  some  few  acquaintance  whom  I esteem  and  shall 
leave  with  regret,  but  the  customs  and  manners  of  a Metropolis 
are  unfriendly  to  that  social  intercourse  which  I have  ever  been 
accustomed  to.  Amusement  and  diversion  may  always  be  pur- 
chased at  the  Theatres  and  places  of  public  resort,  so  that  little 
pains  is  taken  to  cultivate  that  benevolence  and  interchange  of 
kindness  which  sweetens  life,  in  lieu  of  which  mere  visits  of  form 
are  substituted  to  keep  up  the  union;  not  only  the  wrinkled  brow 

1 Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Robinson)  Montague  (1720-1800).  Her  volume  on  Shakespeare, 
which  reached  a third  edition  in  England  and  was  translated  into  French  and  Italian,  was 
in  answer  to  some  contemptuous  allusions  to  Shakespeare  by  Voltaire. 

2 Her  husband  was  Edward  Montague,  a grandson  of  Edward  Montague,  first  Earl  of 
Sandwich  (1625-1672).  He  died  May  12,  1775. 

3 Matthew  Robinson  (1713-1800). 


288 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1787 


of  age  is  grasping  at  the  card  table  and  even  tricking  with  mean 
avarice,  but  the  virgin  bloom  of  innocence  and  beauty  is  withered 
at  the  same  vigils.  I do  not  think  I should  draw  a false  picture  of 
the  Nobility  and  Gentry  of  this  Metropolis,  if  I was  to  assert,  that 
Money  and  pleasure  are  the  sole  objects  of  their  ardent  persuit, 
publick  virtue,  and  indeed  all  virtue  is  exposed  to  sale,  and  as  to 
principle,  where  is  it  to  be  found,  either  in  the  present  administra- 
tion, or  opposition?  Luxury,  dissapation  and  vice,  have  a natural 
tendency  to  extirpate  every  generous  principle,  and  leave  the 
Heart  susceptable  of  the  most  malignant  vices,  to  the  total 
absence  of  principle  must  be  asscribed  the  conduct  of  the  Heir 
apparant  to  the  British  Throne,  which  is  the  Subject  of  much 
speculation  at  this  Moment,  the  World  have  supposed  that  a 
Marriage  had  taken  place  between  the  prince,  and  a Lady  known 
by  the  Name  of  Fitzherbert,1  whom  for  three  years  he  persued, 
driving  her  for  more  than  half  that  time  out  of  her  country  to 
avoid  him,  as  she  was  in  independent  circumstances,  of  an  ancient 
and  respectable  family;  of  a Fair  Character  and  honorable  con- 
nections every  person  presumed  her  married  to  him,  tho  contrary 
to  the  established  Laws  of  the  Land,  and  this  not  only  by  a 
Catholick  priest,  but  a protestant  one  too,  every  step  for  more 
than  a Year  has  confirmed  this  Idea,  as  the  Lady  has  attended 
him;  not  only  to  the  Watering  places,  but  into  all  publick,  and 
private  parties,  and  at  the  prince’s  request  has  been  countananced 
by  the  first  persons  in  the  Kingdom,  and  the  publick  papers  have 
announced  the  report  and  given  credit  to  it  uncontradicted 
throughout  Europe,  but  now  at  a time  when  he  wishes  to  be 
relieved  from  the  load  of  debt  he  has  contracted,  and  finds  that 
this  affair  is  like  to  become  a subject  of  parlimentary  discussion, 
he  authorizes  Charles  Fox  (A  Man  as  unprincipald  as  the  prince) 
to  declare  the  whole  story  a Malicious  falsehood,  and  in  the  most 
explicit  terms  to  deny  even  the  Shadow  of  a Marriage,  yet  not  a 
person  whom  I have  heard  mention  the  subject  since  believes;  a 
syllable  of  mr  Fox’s  assertion  thus  does  this  young  Man  set  both 
Law  and  Decency  at  defiance;  his  Friends  are  even  so  barefaced 

1 Maria  Anne  Fitzherbert  (1756-1837),  wife  of  George  IV,  was  daughter  of  Walter 
Smythe  of  Brambridge,  Hampshire. 


1787] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


289 


as  to  pretend  that  no  connextion  but  of  the  platonick  kind  has 
ever  subsisted  between  them,  he  a mere  Scipio  and  she  a vestal, 
what  a prospect  for  this  Country!  what  a prostration  of  Honour 
and  virtue!  the  Heir  Apparant,  frequenting  the  Haunts  of  intem- 
perance and  vice,  his  greatest  intimates  sycophants  and  knaves, 
appearing  in  company  so  disguised  as  to  lose  himself,  and  commit 
the  greatest  rudeness,  which  was  the  case  not  a Month  since,  yet 
when  sober  really  possessing  the  outward  appearance  of  a well 
bred  Gentleman,  by  some  he  is  held  up  as  a Man  of  Learning  and 
abilities,  but  of  this  I cannot  learn  any  Specimens;  not  even  a 
refinement  in  his  vices,  since  he  is  branded  with  a taste,  for  the 
lowest  and  most  vulgar. 

but  I will  quit  him,  since  I shall  never  owe  him;  either  honour 
or  Allegence,  and  will  turn  my  attention  to  my  own  Country, 
which  tho  not  terrified  with  the  prospect  of  a proffligate  prince  to 
govern  it,  appears  to  be  in  an  untranquilized  state,  embarressed 
in  its  Finances,  distrest  in  its  commerce  and  unbalanced  in  its 
Governments,  but  I have  Faith  that  will  remove  Mountains,  and 
as  distress  and  difficulties  in  private  life,  are  frequently  spurs  to 
dilligence,  so  have  we  seen  publick  industry  excited  in  the  same 
manner,  during  the  late  War.  Success  crowned  our  efforts  and 
gave  us  Independance.  our  misfortune  is  that  there  we  became 
indolent  and  intoxicated;  Luxury  with  ten  thousand  evils  in  her 
train,  exiled  the  humble  virtues,  Industry  and  frugality,  were 
swallowed  up  in  dissipation. 

“but  it  is  not  upon  Record,”  says  a late  writer,  “that  any  state 
was  ever  yet  so  exhausted,  but  that  whilst  it  enjoyed  Liberty  it 
might  draw  new  resources  from  its  own  vitals,  Though  the  tree 
is  lopped,  yet  so  long  as  the  root  remains  unhurt,  it  will  through 
out  a greater  Luxuriancy  of  Branches,  produce  fruits  of  better 
flavour  and  derive  fresh  vigor  from  the  ax.” 

Why,  my  Dear  Madam,  may  we  not  console  ourselves  with 
Ideas  of  this  kind,  instead  of  giving  way  to  despondency?  I was 
very  happy  to  learn  that  my  young  Friend  Harry  distinguishd 
himself  with  the  ardour  of  a patriot,  and  the  zeal  of  a good  Citizen 
in  accompanying  General  Lincoln  in  his  late  expedition,  had 
Pericles  lived  in  the  present  day,  he  could  not  have  made  the 


290 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


[1787 


boast,  which  he  does  in  his  funeral  oration  over  the  Athenians, 
saying  that  they  were  the  only  people,  who  thought  those  who  did 
not  lend  their  assistance  in  State  affairs,  not  indolent,  but  good 
for  Nothing,  it  is  indeed  a pleasing  presage  of  future  good,  when 
the  most  promising  youth,  shrink  not  from  danger,  through  a fond- 
ness for  those  delights,  which  a peaceful  affluent  Life  bestows 
“but  bare  their  bold  breast,  and  pour  their  generous  Blood” 
esteeming  it  a dishonour  that  their  Country  should  stand  in  need 
of  any  thing  which  their  valour  can  acchive. 

I long,  my  dear  Madam,  to  return  to  my  native  land.  My  little 
Cottage  encompassed  with  my  Friends  has  more  charms  for  me 
than  the  Drawing  Room  of  St.  James,  where  studied  civility, 
and  disguised  coldness  cover  malignant  Hearts. 

I will  not  close  this  letter  without  informing  you  that  I am  — 
a grand  — o no!  that  would  be  confesing  myself  old,  which  would 
be  quite  unfashionable  and  vulgar;  but  true  it  is,  I have  a fine 
grandson.1  I regret  a little  that  it  was  not  a Daughter,  for  then  I 
would  have  claimd  the  little  one  for  the  great  one.  Mrs.  Smith 
desires  me  to  present  her  respectfull  compliments  to  you,  with 
thanks  for  your  kind  and  Friendly  Letter,  which  she  will  notice 
as  soon  as  she  is  able,  be  so  good  as  to  present  my  regards  to  the 
Genii,  and  all  your  worthy  family.  I must  acquit  myself  of  a 
promise  made  to  a Young  Gentleman,  who  requested  me  when 
I wrote  to  you,  to  lay  him  respectfully  at  your  feet,  by  which  I 
presume  he  meant  that  I should  express,  the  high  esteem  and  pro- 
found veneration,  which  he  always  professes  towards  you,  and  I 
knew  not  how  to  do  it  better:  than  by  giving  you  his  own  words. 
I dare  say  you  will  be  at  no  loss  to  recollect  this  Gentleman  by 
the  Name  of  Shipping;  who  is  as  genteel  well  Bred  a Youth  as 
any  one  from  our  Country,  and  who  is  quite  at  home  with  us  as 
well  as  his  companion  Mr.  Cutting,  who  I think  will  make  a 
figure  in  Life,  as  he  has  both  abilities  and  application. 

I know  not  what  to  say  for  my  companion  that  he  has  not 
written  a single  Letter  by  this  opportunity,  but  that  he  is  so  much 
engaged  in  travelling  through  the  Itallian  Republicks  that  I 
cannot  draw  of  his  attention,  except  only  to  official  Letters. 

1 William  Steuben  Smith. 


1787] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


291 


he  says  his  Friends  must  accept  his  printed  letters.  I will  not 
apoligize  for  the  length  of  my  Letter,  concious  as  I am  of  all 
my  Sins  of  omission,  but  be  assured  dear  Madam,  that  neither  a 
want  of  affection  or  Regard  are  in  the  number,  for  those  my 
Heart  shall  not  reproach  Your  assured  Friend, 

Abigail  Adams 


James  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Milton,  N.  E.,  May  18th,  1787 

Dear  Sir,  — I Thank  you  for  your  favour  of  Jany.  9th  and  for 
the  very  valuable  Present  which  accompanied  it.  I have  read 
your  Book  with  great  pleasure  as  well  as  Information.  The 
Avidity  of  the  rest  of  the  Family  to  read  it  has  prevented  a second 
perusal,  which  I enjoy  in  prospect.  I do  not  recollect  a single 
Sentiment  different  from  my  own,  except  we  might  differ  a little 
with  respect  to  the  first  Magistrate,  and  perhaps  not  very  essen- 
tially. I do  not  wish  to  see  him  surrounded  with  the  Pomp, 
Parade  and  Magnificence  of  an  European  Prince;  but  I should 
be  willing  he  should  have  an  Addition  of  some  real  powers  he  is 
not  now  possessed  of;  but  I think  I should  hardly  agree  that  an 
Unqualified  Negative  upon  the  Law  should  be  among  them, 
because  I think  a Limited  one  like  ours  more  agreable  to  reason 
and  quite  adequate  to  all  the  purposes  of  a Check  and  a Ballance. 
if  I should  say  there  are  no  faults  to  be  found  in  your  Book,  you 
would  consider  it  as  flattery,  if  I say  there  are  very  few,  and 
those  not  very  Essential,  you  will  think  me  honest,  but  at  the 
same  time  that  I make  a Compliment  to  the  whole  performance, 
if  I mention  one  of  the  greatest,  you  will  Consider  it  as  the  dic- 
tate of  Friendship.  You  say  there  are  as  yet  no  Appearances 
of  Artificial  Inequalities  of  Condition,  etc.  That  may  be  true, 
because  the  Barefaced  and  Arrogant  System  of  the  Cincinnati 
Association  is  not  fully  matured,  but  it  is  rapidly  progressing. 
The  People,  who  have  no  Stability,  who  equally  forget  Benefits 
and  Injuries,  have  almost  forgot  this  Insolent  Attempt  at  dis- 
tinction and  are  Introducing  the  Members  into  the  Legislature, 


292 


Warren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1787 


and  the  first  Civil  and  Military  Offices,  is  it  not  a fault  that  you 
have  omitted  on  so  fair  an  Occasion  to  mention  this  Attempt  in 
the  severe  Terms  it  deserves?  You  are  certainly  mistaken,  if 
popularity  is  not  your  Mistress.  You  enjoy  it  as  much  as  any 
Man  should  do.  it  is  enough  to  recommend  anything  here  to 
say  it  is  Mr.  Adams’  Opinion.  I feel  the  Influence  of  it  myself, 
and  often  see  it  with  pleasure  in  others.  I have  just  heard  that 
you  Intend  to  come  Home  this  Summer.  We  will  be  glad  to  see 
you  and  will  show  you  that  you  are  mistaken;  but  I will  not 
Insure  you  that  it  will  last,  but  I think  your  Book  will  not  make 
you  Unpopular. 

it  is  true  that  some  Persons  have  proposed  in  County  Conven- 
tions to  annihilate  the  Senate.  But  this  Sentiment  (if  adopted  by 
any  of  them)  does  not  seem  to  prevail.  The  Truth  of  the  Matter 
is,  the  People  resemble  a Child,  who  feels  hurt  and  uneasy,  and 
quarrels  with  every  thing  about  him.  They  have  fallen  upon  this 
Branch  of  the  Legislature  indiscriminately  with  other  parts  of  the 
Constitution  as  they  occurred  to  their  Minds.  What  I mean  is, 
that  there  is  no  particular  System  among  them.  I will  not  how- 
ever undertake  to  say  that  there  will  not  be  some  fatal  Change 
before  long.  Such  is  the  Situation  of  things  here  that  no  Man  can 
calculate  the  Events  of  the  present  Year. 

It  is  very  true  that  Government  has  been  roused  from  a pro- 
found Sleep,  but  they  waked  with  that  peevish  disposition  which  is 
common  to  the  Interruption  of  sweet  Sleep  and  pleasing  Dreams. 
Measures  were  taken  accordingly.  The  People  were  Irritated,  not 
softened  and  conciliated.  The  Rebels  were  dispersed,  but  not 
subdued,  and  for  fear  that  Capt.  Shays  should  destroy  the  Consti- 
tution they  violated  it  themselves.  After  all  the  Apparatus  of  the 
Suspension  of  the  Habeas  Corpus,  prosecutions  of  some  miserable 
Scribblers,  Declarations  of  Rebellion,  Acts  of  disqualifications, 
etc.,  etc.,  it  is  said  the  Rebels  are  again  mustering  in  force,  it  is 
certain  a General  discontent  and  disapprobation  prevails  in  the 
Country,  and  has  shewn  itself  in  the  late  Elections.  Mr.  Hjan- 
cock]  is  undoubtedly  chose  the  first  Magistrate.  I do  not  regret 
the  change  so  much  as  I once  should,  tho’  I am  sorry  for  it.  if  I 
used  to  dispise  the  Administration  of  H.,  I am  disappointed  in 


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IVarren -Adams  Letters 


293 


that  of  B[owdoin].  Every  Phylosopher  is  not  a Politician.  The 
surrounding  solid  orb  in  the  Heavens  may  restore  the  scattered 
rays  of  Light  to  the  Sun  and  prevent  the  waste  of  that  Body  by  an 
endless  diffusion.  But  no  Government  can  be  supported  but  on 
its  own  Principles. 

Mr.  Cushing  and  General  Lincoln  were  chiefly  voted  for  as  the 
second  Magistrate,  but  I suppose  neither  of  them  Chose  by  the 
People.  The  Senators  are  generally  Changed,  even  the  good  and 
Inoffensive  Mr.  Cranch  is  left  out  — I Imagine  because  he  was  of 
the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  our  old  Friend  Mr.  A[dams],  how- 
ever, is  rechosen,  tho’  he  seems  to  have  forsaken  all  his  old  princi- 
ples and  professions  and  to  have  become  the  most  arbitrary  and 
despotic  Man  in  the  Commonwealth.  There  is  an  Appearance  of 
as  general  a Change  in  the  House.  In  this  Universal  Concussion, 
this  rage  of  Innovation,  the  Town  of  Milton  have  honoured  me 
with  an  Election  to  represent  them.  The  dread  of  reviving  the 
Clamour  of  refusing  everything,  joined  with  the  Idea  of  its  being 
the  Duty  of  every  Man  to  go  upon  Deck  when  called  upon  in  a 
Storm,  has  Induced  me  to  accept,  to  forsake  the  peaceful  and 
retired  walks  of  Agriculture  and  again  embark  on  a Tumultuous 
Ocean  of  Politics,  while  I feel  myself  embarrassed  at  a loss  what 
Measures  should  be  adopted  in  our  present  Situation,  and  for 
the  Peace  of  Jerusalem.  I frequently  recollect  your  Observation, 
that  you  and  I have  not  had  an  easy  Task  in  Life  hitherto. 

I am  embarked,  I must  act.  you  know  I have  no  Cunning  or 
Time  serving  Talents.  I shall  satisfy  my  own  Conscience  and 
Judgment.  I hope  to  satisfy  all  the  reasonable  Expectations  of 
Good  Men  from  my  public  Conduct,  if  any  are  formed,  and  leave 
the  rest. 

Mrs.  Warren  and  the  rest  of  my  Family  join  me  in  very  affec- 
tionate regards  and  respect  for  yours.  I am  with  great  Esteem 
your  sincere  Friend  and  Humble  Servt. 


J.  Warren 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1787 


294 


Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 

New-York,  30th  May , 1787 

Madam,  — Having  but  just  returned  from  Philadelphia,  it  was 
only  yesterday  I had  the  honor  to  receive  your  favor  of  the  2d 
instant. 

Respecting  politicks,  as  you  have  given  me  the  opportunity,  I 
shall  take  the  liberty  of  indulging  confidentially  a few  reflections, 
relying  on  your  goodness  for  an  excuse  if  any  sentiment  should 
escape,  which  in  appearance  should  seem  to  be  contrary  to  our 
former  opinions. 

When  I survey  the  animal  Man,  analyze  his  passions,  and  in- 
vestigate his  views;  Take  a retrospect  of  his  progressions  through 
the  various  stages  of  society,  and  his  blind  impulses  to  pursue  the 
present  enjoyment  to  the  exclusion  of  future  good,  I tremble  at 
the  present  awful  crisis.  I arrange  in  my  imagination  two  or 
three  hundred  millions  of  our  posterity,  with  their  eyes  fixed  on 
our  conduct,  ready  to  applaud  our  wisdom,  or  to  execrate  our 
folly;  I long  for  that  degree  of  intuition  which  belongs  to  a higher 
race  than  man,  in  order  to  exhibit  strongly  to  the  view  of  my 
countrymen  the  effects  which  will  flow  from  the  causes  estab- 
lished at  the  present  moment,  whether  arising  from  design  or 
accident. 

That  our  system  operates  badly  indeed,  no  person  who  knows 
the  discontents,  which  pervade  the  United  States  will  deny.  Not 
only  a ruined  commerce,  but  such  destruction  of  moral  principle 
as  must  alarm  every  upright,  and  intelligent  lover  of  his  country. 
Anarchy  with  its  horrid  train  of  miseries  seem  ready  to  over- 
whelm this  region  marked  by  nature  for  happiness.  Were  we  to 
examine  our  political  systems  without  prejudice,  perhaps  we  shall 
there  find  the  source  of  all  the  evils  of  which  we  complain,  and  of 
all  those  which  we  apprehend. 

Our  respectable  and  enlightened  friend  Mr.  Adams’s  Book  will 
be  the  surest  basis  of  his  reputation.  It  is  true  he  has  been  a little 
unfortunate  in  his  title.  It  is  not  a defence  of  the  constitutions  of 
the  United  States,  it  is  rather  a sarcasm  on  them.  But  it  should 
have  been  entitled  “The  Soul  of  a free  government.”  But  still  it 


1787] 


TV irren  -Adams  Letters 


295 


will  be  the  means  of  great  good.  It  is  a word  spoken  in  season.  He 
clearly  points  out  one  of  the  capital  causes  of  our  misery  and 
prostrate  character  — the  will,  the  caprice  the  headlong  conduct, 
of  a government  without  strong  checks  by  different  branches,  or  a 
division  of  power  by  a balance,  A mad  democracy  sweeps  away 
every  moral  and  divine  trait  from  the  human  character.  Hence  it 
is  that  reason  Law,  and  patriotism  is  banished  from  almost  every 
Legislature.  Private  convenience,  paper  money,  and  ex  post 
facto  Laws,  are  the  main  springs  of  the  American  governments. 

In  addition  to  these  local  evils  all  national  character,  and  inter- 
ests are  lost  by  the  monsterous  system  of  State  governments; 
which  from  their  construction,  compared  with  the  general  govern- 
ment, must  necessarily  produce  the  effects  which  we  experience  of 
overturning  even  almost  the  appearance  of  a general  government. 
Granted  says  candor,  but  the  remedy?  pardon  me,  the  conven- 
tion is  sitting  — and  shall  one  of  the  Cincinnati  presume  to  give 
his  opinion? 

I confess  however,  that  my  only  hope  of  human  assistance  is 
founded  on  the  convention.  Should  they  possess  the  hardihood 
to  be  unpopular,  and  propose  an  efficient  National  government, 
free  from  the  entanglements  of  the  present  defective  state  systems 
we  may  yet  be  a happy  and  great  nation.  But  I have  no  expecta- 
tions if  their  propositions  should  be  truly  wise,  that  they  will  be 
immediately  accepted.  I should  rather  suppose  that  they  would 
be  ridiculed  in  the  same  as  was  the  ark  of  old,  while  building  by 
Noah.  But  if  human  nature  be  influenced  by  invariable  princi- 
ples, we  are  on  the  eve  of  political  storms. 

If  the  convention  should  propose  to  erect  a temple  to  liberty  on 
the  solid,  and  durable  foundation  of  Law  and  Justice,  all  men  of 
principle  in  the  first  instance  will  embrace  the  proposal.  Dema- 
gogues and  vicious  characters  will  oppose  for  a while.  But  reason 
will  at  length  triumph.  But  should  the  convention  be  desirous  of 
acquiring  present  popularity;  should  they  possess  local  and  not 
general  views;  should  they  propose  a patch  work  to  the  present 
wretchedly  defective  thing  called  the  Confederation,  look  out  ye 
patriots,  supplicate  Heaven!  for  you  will  have  need  of  its  pro- 
tection ! 


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W't irren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1787 


Seperate  Anarchies  will  take  place.  Hostile  conflicts  will  hap- 
pen, and  in  proportion  to  their  number,  and  duration,  will  be  the 
strength  of  the  tyrany  which  will  be  established  on  the  issue.  The 
party  triumphant,  will  never  submit  its  actions  to  the  decisions 
of  a free  legislature  — no  — The  tyrants  will  direct.  If  they  call 
an  assembly  of  the  people,  it  will  be  for  the  purpose,  of  devising 
ways  and  means  of  raising  more  money,  like  the  notables  in 
France. 

But  say  you,  all  this  may  appear  true  to  a man  of  warm  imagi- 
nation, but  still  a distant  glimpse  has  not  been  given  of  the  govern- 
ment of  Laws,  of  the  paradise  of  humanity.  True,  madam.  I 
should  be  first  happy  to  hear  your  opinion  on  the  subject,  do  you 
remember  the  idea  which  you  once  whispered  to  me  at  Mr. 
Russell’s?  I like  the  principle  to  be  established  hereafter.  But  I 
wish  at  present  to  try  the  experiment  of  a strong  national  republic. 
The  state  governments  should  be  deprived  of  the  power  of  injuring 
themselves  or  the  Nation.  The  people  have  parted  with  power 
enough  to  form  an  excellent  constitution;  But  it  is  incorp[ora]ted 
and  diffused  among  bodies  which  cannot  use  it  to  good  purpose. 
It  must  be  concentered  in  a national  government,  the  power  of 
which  should  be  divided  between  a strong  executive,  a senate,  and 
assembly.  The  powers  which  each  should  have,  would  be  a sub- 
ject of  nice  discussion  and  much  detail.  The  time  of  the  executive, 
and  senate  should  be  such  as  to  give  stability  to  the  system.  The 
Assembly  to  be  for  one  two  or  at  most  three  years.  A Judicial  to 
be  formed  on  the  highest  principles  of  Independency.  This  gov- 
ernment should  possess  every  power  necessary  for  national  pur- 
poses which  would  leave  the  state  governments  but  very  little. 
But  every  power  should  be  defined  with  accuracy,  and  checked 
according  to  the  highest  human  wisdom,  an  attempt  to  overleap 
the  bounds  of  the  constitution  by  those  who  are  in  the  execution 
of  it,  should  be  certainly  and  severely  punished. 

Thus,  madam,  I have  hastily  confided  to  your  liberality  my 
sentiments  of  our  present  critical  situation,  and  stated  the  mildest 
remedy  that  the  case  will  admit.  To  attempt  less  will  I am  appre- 
hensive precipitate  us  into  the  gulph  of  seperate  anarchies,  on  the 
issue  of  which  we  may  see  established  seperate  tyrannies.  The 


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Warren -Adams  Letters 


297 


tyrants  will  find  ways  and  means  by  reciprocal  alliances  between 
themselves  to  render  the  fetters  of  the  people  as  durable  as  brass 
or  iron. 

I have  said  nothing  on  the  subject  of  foreign  intrigues,  which 
will  agitate  us  in  the  course  of  the  commotions.  This  circumstance 
is  too  obvious  to  need  any  illustration. 

I should  be  happy  madam  to  receive  your  communications 
from  time  to  time  particularly  on  the  subject  enlarged  on  in  this 
letter.  Your  sentiments  shall  remain  with  me.  I beg  you  to 
present  to  the  general  my  affectionate  and  respectful  compliments, 
and  to  believe  me  to  be  most  respectfully,  you  obedient  humble 
Servt. 

H.  Knox 

Mrs.  Knox  presents  her  compliments  to  the  Genl.  and  yourself. 


Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 

New  York,  21  August , 1787 

Madam, — Your  highly  esteemed  favor  of  the  21st  of  June  was 
duly  received.  But  my  absences  and  avocations  lately,  have  been 
such,  that  I have  been  unable  at  an  earlier  period,  to  set  down  to 
form  a reply. 

Indeed  I wished  that  somewhat  of  the  proceedings  of  the  con- 
vention might  be  first  known,  in  order  to  discover  the  complexion 
the  remainder  of  our  lives  was  likely  to  assume,  as  far  as  depended 
on  government. 

Although  this  wish  has  not  been  gratified  in  such  a manner,  as 
to  be  communicated  on  paper,  at  present,  yet  it  is  well  ascertained 
that  great  unanimity  prevails  in  the  convention.  That  the  im- 
portant principles  are  fixed  — and  that  their  deliberations  are 
drawing  to  a close,  so  that  the  members  will  probably  seperate 
before  the  15th  of  next  month. 

In  this  state  of  things  the  true  lovers  of  their  country  will  wait 
to  receive  the  result  of  the  deliberations  of  the  convention.  I look 
forward  to  the  period  of  publication  with  a degree  of  anxiety.  I 


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IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1787 


am  persuaded  that  some  ardent  and  intelligent  spirits  may  regard 
the  propositions  of  the  convention  as  inadequate  to  remedy  the 
evils  of  our  situation;  while  others  and  a greater  majority  too  will 
be  apt  at  the  first  blush  to  consider  the  proposed  government  as 
too  high  toned. 

But  if  the  characters  of  the  convention  be  duly  estimated,  and 
the  nature  and  circumstances  of  the  society  I flatter  myself  the 
government  proposed  will  be  received  by  the  multitude  as  the 
best  that  can  be  obtained  at  present. 

If  however  it  should  be  otherwise,  if  the  still  small  voice  of 
reason  should  not  be  heard,  but  local  demagogues  successfully 
oppose  the  erection  of  a fair  national  republic , we  shall  most 
probably  feel  the  force  of  blind  events.  Whether  they  will  be 
rigid,  or  flexible,  adverse  or  prosperous  must  be  left  for  the 
present  to  those  superior  beings  who  can  penetrate  further  into 
futurity  than  we  poor  mortals. 

The  information  you  are  pleased  to  request  on  certain  points 
respecting  the  Cincinnati  and  the  characters  of  certain  Gentlemen 
shall  be  candidly  given  when  I shall  have  the  honor  of  seeing  you, 
which  I hope  will  be  in  the  ensuing  October  or  November. 

Mrs.  Knox  and  myself  have  recently  sustained  the  sharp  afflic- 
tion of  losing  our  youngest  child  of  about  eleven  months  old,  of  a 
disorder  incident  to  children  when  cutting  their  teeth.  However 
much  our  affections  have  been  lacerated  on  this  occasion  we  are 
forced  to  believe  that  the  system  in  which  we  are,  and  every  thing 
therein,  is  governed  by  infinite  wisdom. 

I beg  General  Warren  to  accept  my  best  wishes  for  his  happi- 
ness, mental,  and  corporeal.  I am,  madam,  with  perfect  respect 
and  esteem  Your  Most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

H.  Knox 

Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren 

Dear  Madam,  — I have  long  wished,  long  hoped,  and  long 
expected,  to  receive  a letter  from  you;  the  letter  is  at  length 
arrived,  and  your  reasons  for  not  gratifying  me  before,  are  so 
friendly  that  I cannot  complain. 


1787]  IVarren -Adams  Letters  299 


Indeed  I have  expected  with  much  impatience  the  result  of  the 
deliberations  of  your  convention  and  as  your  letter  contained  this 
result  it  gave  me  a very  pleasing  proof  of  your  attention.  You 
pay  me  the  compliment,  Dear  Madam,  of  asking  for  my  observa- 
tions on  the  plan  of  federal  government  proposed  by  the  con- 
vention to  the  considerations  of  the  States.  I will  give  them  you 
freely. 

In  the  first  place  I must  own  to  you  that  from  some  hints  that 
were  flung  out  in  our  papers  I feared  that  it  would  lead  much  more 
to  the  principles  of  Monarchy  and  Aristocracy  than  I find  in  the 
propositions  indeed  they  are  grownded  on  simple  Democracy  and 
appear  to  me  to  be  so  well  guarded  that  in  the  present  situation  of 
the  united  States  were  they  to  be  adopted  they  bid  fair  to  stand 
for  ages  without  contracting  any  alloy  that  may  affect  their  Tem- 
perament and  indeed  Dear  Madam  if  some  system  of  power  is  not 
established  which  may  protect  instead  of  ruining  the  liberties  of 
America  and  which  may  direct  the  jarring  interests  of  the  several 
States  to  one  great  end  of  general  good  your  contentions  and  dissa- 
pointments  must  in  the  end  bring  on  a government  whose  prin- 
ciples will  be  as  much  at  variance  with  the  rights  of  men  as  are 
the  most  of  our  European  ones.  In  short,  Dear  Madam,  it  is  my 
opinion  that  were  some  plan  of  the  kind  now  proposed  by  the 
convention  to  be  adopted  and  carried  into  execution  and  were 
your  people  less  fond  of  Commerce  and  European  luxuries  would 
they  attend  to  the  cultivation  of  their  Lands  and  employ  their 
industry  in  those  manufactures  which  are  necessary  to  the  com- 
forts of  life  and  were  strict  prohibitions  made  against  the  consump- 
tion of  any  forreign  manufactures  you  would  in  a short  time  be  the 
happiest  and  the  greatest  people  in  the  World. 

The  rumors  of  war  on  this  part  of  the  Globe  are  now  over  and 
the  free  States  of  Holland  subjected  to  the  yoke  my  sentiments  on 
this  subject  are  I dare  say  so  similar  to  your  own  that  I think  I 
need  not  trouble  you  with  them. 

The  account  you  give  me  of  Mrs.  Russel  fills  me  with  concern 
both  for  her  own  sake,  her  Husband’s,  her  Father  and  Mother’s, 
and  for  what  you,  my  Dear  Madam,  must  suffer  on  the  occasion 
for  the  friendship  you  entertained  for  your  Niece  was  I know  of 


3°° 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1787 


the  tenderest  kind,  her  constitution  appeared  to  be  always  delicate 
but  her  Sister  whom  I am  sorry  to  hear  is  in  the  same  hapless 
condition  had  the  air  of  robustness. 

I have  certainly  brought  my  Daughter  acquainted  with  you 
Dear  Madam  and  I think  I sent  you  her  kindest  remembrance  in 
my  last  letter  She  is  lately  married  to  a Mr.  Gregorie  who  is  Capt. 
of  an  East  India  Man  the  Match  is  very  much  to  mine  and  the 
rest  of  her  friends’  liking.1 

You  are  so  kind  as  to  inquire  after  my  present  employment. 
I am  still  writing  Letters  on  education  2 When  I have  finished 
this  work  I propose  to  resume  my  pen  on  a political  subject  which 
I have  in  view  and  this  I fancy  will  close  my  sublunary  labors. 
My  Daughter,  Dear  Madam,  returns  you  her  particular  compli- 
ments and  thanks  for  the  sentiments  you  have  entertained  in  her 
favor  Mr.  Graham  also  joins  me  in  respectful  regards  to  yrself 
Genrl.  Warren  and  family,  From  Dear  Madam  Your  affecte  And 
Obedt.  Servt. 

Cath  : Macaulay  Graham 

Knights  bridge,  near  London,  Novbr.,  ’87. 

Postscript.  If  there  is  any  defect  in  the  plan  proposed  by  the 
Convention  it  is  the  want  of  a rotation  of  the  presidents  of  Con- 
gress coerced  by  law,  for  I still  think  this  to  be  the  only  firm  sup- 
port of  Freedom  in  every  mode  of  its  existence. 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

London,  Deer.  25,  1787 

Madam,  — The  Sack  of  Rome,3  has  so  much  Merit  in  itself 
that  for  the  honour  of  America,  I should  wish  to  see  it  acted  on  the 
Stage  in  London  before  crouded  Audiences.  The  Dedication  of  it 
does  so  much  honour  to  me,  that  I should  be  proud  to  see  it  in 

1 Charles  Gregory.  The  marriage  took  place  June  7,  at  Marylebone  Church.  The 
young  lady  was  described  as  “daughter  and  heiress  of  the  late  Dr.  George  Macaulay,  and 
of  the  female  Historian  of  England.” 

2 Later  embodied  in  a volume,  Letters  on  Education , with  Observations  on  Religious 
and  Metaphysical  Subjects. 

3 It  is  included  in  her  Poems,  Dramatic  and  Miscellaneous,  1790. 


i788] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


3° 1 


print  even  if  it  could  not  be  acted.  I have  shewn  it,  in  discreet 
confidence  to  several  good  Judges,  but  least  their  opinion  might 
not  be  satisfactory  I procured  it  at  last  to  be  seriously  read,  by 
several  of  the  first  tragical  Writers  in  this  nation,  among  whom 
were  the  Author  of  the  Grecian  Daughter  1 and  the  Author  of  the 
Carmelite.2  They  have  noted  their  opinion  in  a Writing  that  is 
inclosed.  It  requires  almost  as  much  interest  and  Intrigue  to  get 
a Play  Acted,  as  to  be  a Member  of  Parliament,  and  a printed 
Play  that  has  not  been  Acted  will  not  sell.  I have  not  been  able  to 
find  a Printer  who  would  accept  the  Copy  on  Condition  of  print- 
ing it. 

In  short  nothing  American  sells  here.  Ramsay’s  History 
Dwight  and  Barlow’s  Poems  are  not  sold,  nor,  I fear  will  Dr. 
Gordon’s,  notwithstanding  the  prescious  Materials  he  must  be 
possessed  of. 

There  is  a universal  desire  and  endeavour  to  forget  America, 
and  an  unanimous  Resolution  to  read  nothing  which  shall  bring  it 
to  their  Thoughts.  They  cannot  recollect  it,  without  Pain. 

Your  Annals,  or  History,  I hope  you  will  continue,  for  there 
are  few  Persons  possessed  of  more  Facts,  or  who  can  record  them 
in  a more  agreable  manner.  Yet  let  me  not  deceive  you.  America 
must  support  the  Publication  of  it.  no  other  Country  will  con- 
tribute much  towards  it. 

In  the  Month  of  April,  May  or  June,  I hope  to  see  my  Friends 
at  Milton  Hill,  in  the  mean  time  I am,  Madam,  with  great 
Esteem,  your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  Servant, 

John  Adams 


Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren 

Dear  Madam,  — I am  very  sorry  to  be  driven  by  the  course  of 
events  to  awaken  melancholly  reflections  in  you  rather  than  to 
endeavor  to  amuse  you  with  the  Bagatelles  of  human  life.  Accept 
however  the  simpathy  of  a friend  for  the  great  loss  you  have  sus- 
tained in  the  Death  of  your  very  worthy  and  aimable  Niece  Mrs. 

I Arthur  Murphy.  z Richard  Cumberland. 


302  IV irren -Adams  Letters  [1788 


Russel  whose  affections  to  you  were  I know  stronger  than  is  com- 
monly existing  in  this  dissipated  country  in  the  hearts  of  children 
towards  their  parents.1 

Tho’  I have  nothing  to  say  that  can  any  wise  entertain  you  yet 
I would  not  miss  the  opportunity  of  Mr.  Adams’s  return  to  shew 
you  how  much  I value  Dear  Madam  your  correspondence. 

I find  by  the  accounts  received  from  America  that  the  plan  of 
Government  recommended  by  the  Convention  has  been  accepted 
already  by  the  majority  of  the  States,  we  are  a little  surprised 
here  to  find  that  New  England  and  Connecticut  should  be  the 
earliest  in  acceeding. 

The  Town  of  London  has  been  much  amused  this  Winter  in  the 
pompous  shew  of  Mr.  Hasting’s  trial,  facts  are  strong,  and  much 
eloquence,  has  been  displayed  by  the  prosecutors;  but  most 
people  think  that  his  party  among  the  powerful,  is  strong  enough 
to  preserve  him  from  any  other  punishment  than  the  mortifica- 
tions attending  the  trial. 

The  political  state  of  this  Country  is  as  usual;  for  we  have 
gained  no  virtue  by  the  loss  of  America,  and  as  the  present  low 
condition  of  the  finances  of  our  Neighbors  the  French  and  the 
important  undertakings  of  Russia  and  Austria  give  these  powers 
no  opportunity  to  disturb  the  peace  of  Europe  we  believe  that  our 
present  appearance  of  felicity  will  have  no  end. 

Pray  make  Mr.  Graham’s  and  my  best  compliments  to  Mr. 
Warren  and  all  friends,  particularly  our  compliments  of  condo- 
lance  to  Mr.  Russel,  for  the  great  misfortune  he  has  sustained  in 
the  loss  of  his  excellent  partner;  [and]  accept  Dear  Madam  all 
that  is  affectte.  from  Your  Sincere  Friend  And  Obednt.  Servt. 

Cath:  Macaulay  Graham 

Mrs.  Gregorie  whose  marriage  I believe  I acquainted  you  with 
in  my  last  begs  to  be  remembered  to  you. 

March,  1788.  Binfield,  near,  Oakingham;  Berkshire. 

1 Sarah  (Sever)  Russell  (1757-1787),  wife  of  Thomas  Russell. 


i788] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


3°3 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  26  Aug.,  1788 

We  have  had  contradictory  accounts  from  N.  Carolina.  The 
last  Week  Russell  announced  in  his  paper  the  rejection  of  the 
Constitution  by  a majority  of  100  clear.  He  was  so  mortified  that 
he  could  not  help  mentioning  it  three  or  four  times  in  his  paper. 
Now  the  story  is  that  the  Convention  voted  by  that  majority  to 
amend  the  Constitution,  and  then  adjourned  to  a distant  day, 
and  that  they  had  not  then  heard  of  the  accession  of  New  York. 
It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  anxiety  of  the  victorious  party  in 
this  state  upon  hearing  the  first  report.  They  immediately  begun 
to  vilify  that  State  as  being  originally  peopled  by  outlaws  and 
convicts,  who  were  driven  from  the  more  civilized  parts  of  the 
world  into  the  wilds  of  Carolina,  where  they  had  formed  a settle- 
ment but  little  superior  in  morals  to  the  infernal  world.  . . . 

James  Winthrop 


Catherine  Macaulay  Graham  to  Mercy  Warren 

My  Dear  Madam,  — I wish  we  were  nearer  together  that  we 
might  oftener  have  an  opportunity  of  exchanging  sentiments  of 
friendship  as  I flatter  myself  it  would  conduce  to  our  mutual 
happiness. 

I find  that  the  National  Government  proposed  by  the  federal 
convention  is  adopted  by  a majority  of  the  States.  To  Europeans 
who  are  used  to  the  form  the  parade  the  expence  and  all  the  high 
prerogatives  of  monarchy  it  must  necessarily  carry  the  appearance 
of  perfect  freedom  but  you  who  are  used  to  liberty  in  its  most 
pleasing  Garb  and  who  have  so  lately  and  so  dearly  purchased  an 
independance  it  must  carry  a contrary  aspect  nor  do  I wonder 
that  the  american  patriots  should  entertain  apprehensions  against 
a system  that  appears  to  give  a larger  trust  to  that  faithless  ambi- 
tious animal  man  but  whether  there  may  or  may  not  be  grounds 
for  fear  and  jealousy  I think  it  shews  more  levity  and  more  of 


3°4 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1788 


party  spirit  than  I hoped  was  in  America  to  enter  on  any  new 
frame  of  Government  by  which  trust  must  be  reposed  and  may 
be  abused  with  such  marks  of  festivity  and  joy. 

I am  much  obliged  to  you  for  sending  me  the  reasons  of  dissent 
in  Pensilvania  and  the  pamphlet  circulated  in  the  Massachusets 
the  one  is  well  drawn  up  and  the  other  is  written  with  spirit  and 
energy. 

I assure  you,  Dear  Madam,  I pay  a very  anxious  attention  to 
the  concerns  of  America  and  were  not  my  inclinations  drawn  that 
way  on  determined  principles  my  friendship  for  yourself  and 
family  would  engage  me  to  interest  myself  in  the  welfare  of  any 
country  of  which  you  were  Citizens. 

Mr.  Adams  I see  by  the  papers  has  been  long  returned  to  his 
native  Country  he  is  a very  warm  Federalist  and  by  what  I have 
discerned  of  yours  and  Mr.  Warren’s  politicall  sentiments  and 
opinions  you  will  not  agree  quite  so  well  on  public  matters  as  you 
did  formerly. 

I am  exceedingly  sorry  that  you  have  had  so  many  occasions 
to  mourn  the  hopless  hand  of  Death  in  your  own  family  the  tender- 
ness of  youth  in  female  constitution  has  much  to  dread  from  the 
rigor  of  your  climate  but  it  must  be  some  very  forcible  and  un- 
lucky stroke  of  destiny  which  could  carry  of  in  the  flower  of  his  age 
Mr.  Lincoln  who  appeared  a very  stout  and  healthy  young  man.1 

As  your  friendship  inclines  you  to  interest  yourself  in  the  con- 
cerns of  my  family  I have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  Mrs. 
Gregorie  has  got  a Daughter  and  that  the  Mother  and  the  Child 
are  both  well. 

The  Turks  have  made  a stand  against  the  German  and  Russian 
forces  which  has  surprized  all  Europe.  I believe  they  owe  the 
present  figure  they  make  in  arms  to  the  restless  ambition  of  the 
french  court  which  has  carved  out  work  enough  to  employ  it  for 
some  time  at  home,  but  I cannot  leave  this  subject  without  pay- 
ing a tribute  of  praise  to  the  sensible  and  intrepid  conduct  of  the 
French  who  have  disputed  rights  with  a Sovereign  backed  with 
above  a hundred  thousand  military  men. 

1 Mary,  daughter  of  James  and  Ruth  (Cunningham)  Otis  married  Benjamin  Lincoln 
(1755-1788),  son  of  General  Benjamin  Lincoln.  The  young  man  died  January  18,  1788. 


1789] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


3°5 


Mr.  Graham  joins  me  in  affectionate  regards  to  your  self  Mr. 
Warren  and  family  and  compliments  to  all  friends  who  do  us  the 
honor  to  remember  us  From  Dear  Madam  with  an  high  esteem 
Your  Sincere  Friend  And  Servt 

Cath:  Macaulay  Graham 
Binfield,  near  Bracknal,  Berks.,  Octbr.  29,  ’88. 

I have  taken  a small  Villa  in  Berkshire  about  thirty  miles  from 
London  where  I propose  to  reside  chiefly  being  quite  tired  of  the 
absurdities  of  the  Capital. 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Braintree,  March  2,  1789 

Dear  Madam,  — Your  friendly  Letter  of  the  third  and  twenti- 
eth of  February,  I did  not  receive  till  Saturday  last.  To  your 
Friend,  who  has  now  been  returned  from  N.  York  these  five  Weeks, 
I have  delivered  your  inclosed  Letter  as  desired.  She  will  acknow- 
ledge the  Receipt  of  it,  and  transmit  you  the  Compliments  of  her 
fellow  Travellers,  our  Correspondence  has  had  a short  Interrup- 
tion, it  is  true,  as  all  others  in  which  I have  had  any  concern  have 
been.  I have  indeed  enjoyed  a delightful  Rest,  tho  my  Mind  has 
been  constantly  employed  with  my  private  and  domestic  affairs, 
which  by  a negligence  of  fifteen  Years  were  in  such  disorder,  as 
would  require  several  Years  to  rectify.  The  Period  from  the  17. 
June,  1788,  to  this  2d  of  March,  1789,  has  been  the  Sweetest 
Morsel  of  my  Life,  and  I despair  of  ever  tasting  such  another. 
This  delightful  Retreat,  humble  as  it  is,  I shall  quit  with  great 
regret.  There  never  was  and  never  will  be  found  for  me,  an  office 
in  public  Life,  that  will  furnish  the  Entertainment  and  Refresh- 
ment of  the  Mountain  the  Meadow  and  the  Stream. 

According  to  private  Accounts  from  the  Southward  there  is  a 
Majority  of  Votes  for  me  to  be  Vice  President.  But  the  People  of 
our  united  America  find  it  much  easier  to  institute  Authority  than 
to  yield  Obedience.  They  have  Smarted  Severely  under  a total 
oblivion  of  the  two  first  Principles  of  Liberty  and  of  Commerce, 


3°6 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [ 1789 


that  Laws  are  the  fountain  of  Freedom  and  Punctuality  the 
Source  of  Credit.  Yet  there  is  still  room  to  fear,  that  there  is  not 
enough  of  the  Spirit  of  Union  to  insure  Obedience  to  the  Laws  nor 
enough  of  Shame  and  Scorn  of  Evasion,  to  secure  that  Revenue  on 
which  Punctuality  will  depend.  The  Resources  of  this  Country 
are  abundantly  Superiour  to  every  Exigency  and  if  they  are  not 
applied,  it  must  be  owing  to  a Want  of  Knowledge  or  a Want  of 
Integrity. . . . 

John  Adams 


Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox  Knox  mss. 

Plimouth,  March  9th,  1789 

I acknowledge  a Letter  has  been  long  due  to  General  Knox, 
but  as  I only  am  the  sufferer  thereby  no  apology  is  necessary  for 
the  neglect.  Yet  I think  I could  make  a very  hansome  one  consid- 
ering the  great  events  which  have  since  taken  place,  events  too 
interesting  to  admit  of  silence  and  too  Delicate  for  a Lady  to 
touch  upon. 

But  as  we  now  seem  to  have  verged  to  the  entrance  of  a perma- 
nent and  I hope  peacefull  Government,  an  object  which  has  long 
been  the  wish  of  every  good  man  and  woman  in  America,  though 
they  may  have  varied  in  opinion  relative  to  some  particular  points, 
I feel  less  timidity  than  for  some  months  past,  even  if  I should 
accidentally  touch  on  the  subject  of  politics.  Yet  in  this  letter  I 
mean  to  avoid  them  and,  only  after  enquiries  relative  to  the 
Health  of  Mrs.  Knox  and  Family,  ask  you  to  transmit  the  enclosed 
to  my  friend  Mrs.  Montgomery,  if  she  should  happen  to  have  left 
the  continent  before  this  reaches  N-York,  sure  [that]  you  will 
excuse  the  freedom  I feel  no  hesitancy  in  making  the  request.  . . . 

I think  I should  like  to  look  into  the  Federal  City  once  in  the 
course  of  my  perigrinations,  though  not  that  I sigh  for  the  splen- 
dour of  Courts,  or  the  indulgence  of  curiosity  that  might  be  fed 
with  variety  of  observation  on  the  dawn  of  infant  empire  and  the 
Regalia  of  Monarchy,  but  I have  still  those  antiquated  feelings 
about  me  which  seldom  approaches  the  pallaces  of  kings.  I love 


1789] 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


307 


my  old  Friends,  many  of  whom  are  collected  at  New  York;  I am 
fond  of  the  society  of  the  truly  worthy,  and  at  the  head  of  the 
Respectable  list  I revere  and  esteem  the  illustrious  Washington 
and  lady,  of  them  both  I have  too  high  an  opinion  to  suspect 
they  will  ever  forget  their  friends  and  correspondents  at  Plimouth 
who  most  sincerely  wish  he  may  pass  through  his  Elevated  situa- 
tion (till  nature  summons  him  to  the  Grave)  with  the  same  Eclat 
that  has  accompanied  his  Name  through  a considerable  part  of 
the  habitable  Globe. . . . 

M.  Warren 


Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 

New  York,  29  March , 1789 

Madam,  — I had  the  pleasure  last  evening  to  receive  your 
favor  of  the  9th  instant  with  its  enclosure  for  Mrs.  Montgomery.1 
That  Lady  has  not  yet  gone  to  Europe  being  at  the  Manor  of 
Livingston.  The  letter  shall  be  delivered  to  some  of  her  family 
in  this  City. 

I was  very  sorry  when  in  Boston  that  my  business  was  of  such  a 
nature  as  prevented  my  visiting  you  and  the  general  at  Plymouth. 
I hope  on  my  next  journey,  I shall  be  more  at  liberty,  to  indulge 
my  respect  and  attachment  for  you  and  him. 

I would  the  objects  at  this  place  were  of  sufficient  attraction, 
to  induce  you  and  the  Genl.  to  an  excursion.  If  the  length  of  the 
Journey  by  land  should  deter,  the  opportunities  by  Water  by  the 
Way  of  Newport,  are  at  once  convenient,  safe  and  pleasant. 

The  birth  and  principles  of  a government  destined  for  so  rising 
and  extensive  an  empire  form  a momentous  crisis.  The  trains  for 
happiness  or  misery  will  be  involved  in  its  first  measures.  A 
knowledge  of  human  nature,  and  the  existing  circumstances  of 
the  Country,  with  wisdom  to  apply  them,  will  be  eminently 
required.  Whether  the  necessary  qualifications  for  a proper 
administration,  will  be  easily  found,  or  have  been  brought  forward 
by  the  late  elections,  must  be  determined  by  experience. 

1 Janet,  daughter  of  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  widow  of  Richard  Montgomery. 


3°8 


IVarren -Adams  Letters  [1789 


But  with  your  zeal  for  the  happiness  of  your  Country,  and  with 
your  beleif  for  the  glory  it  may  attain,  it  would  be  highly  pleasing 
for  you  to  be  an  immediate  spectator  of  the  various  agitations 
and  projects  at  the  off-set.  Such  an  uncommon  event  in  the  an- 
nals of  human  nature  would  be  a proper  object  for  the  exercise  of 
the  mind  and  pen  of  a Philosophic  historian. 

The  roads  have  been  so  bad  to  the  southward,  that  the  number 
of  members  necessary  to  form  the  two  houses,  have  not  yet 
arrived.  But  about  the  first  of  april  they  will  be  completed,  only 
two  representatives,  and  one  senator  being  deficient. 

The  government  will  not  however  be  fully  organized  by  the 
arrival  of  the  President  and  vice  President  untill  about  the  first 
of  May. 

With  respects  to  Genl.  Warren  I am  Madam  your  sincere  and 
Most  Obedient  humble  Servant 

H.  Knox 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  April  2d,  1789 

Sir,  — You  are  too  well  acquainted  with  the  history  of  the 
world  and  the  distresses  of  mankind  to  expect  to  stand  on  the 
eminence  of  rank,  fortune,  and  influence,  without  solicitations 
from  various  quarters. 

Where  you  feel  a friendship  it  will  always  be  a sufficient  stimu- 
lus for  the  exertion  of  every  kind  office  without  importunity,  and 
when  applyed  to  by  strangers  in  distress  your  benevolence,  I trust, 
will  excite  due  attention. 

This  is  all  the  apology  I shall  make  for  enclosing  a letter  from 
a lady  whose  history  you  may  have  been  acquainted  with  until 
the  period  when  Col.  Walker,  like  many  other  good  men  who 
suffered  in  the  public  cause,  was  neglected  by  that  public  and 
obliged  to  retire  to  an  obscure  corner,  there  silently  to  endure 
penury  and  slight:  which  from  a state  of  affluence  and  independ- 
ence is  trying  enough  to  the  feelings  of  the  human  heart,  without 


1789] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters 


3°9 


the  extremes  of  want  and  the  insolence  of  more  fortunate  adven- 
turers in  life,  who  once  thought  themselves  honoured  by  the 
notice  of  persons  now  in  peculiar  distress. 

Col.  Walker  has  been  dead  three  or  four  months.  You  will  see 
by  her  letter  the  situation  of  his  wife.  If  you  think  it  consistent 
with  justice,  doubtless  you  will  attend  to  her  application  when  it 
comes  in  your  way.  She  is  a Friendless  Widow,  a sensible  well  bred 
woman,  once  possessed  of  Fortune  and  consequently  courted  and 
respected  by  the  World.  And  all  the  alleviation  that  I know  of 
in  her  present  reversed  situation  is  that  she  has  no  children  for 
whom  her  heart  might  be  daily  wrung,  and  that  the  suffering  of 
her  Husband  and  herself  were  in  consequence  of  principles  that 
urged  them  to  risque  everything  to  obtain  liberty,  independence 
and  happiness  to  others.  Many  a similar  victim  to  public  Virtue 
we  have  and  shall  see  on  a survey  of  the  convulsions  and  Revolu- 
tions of  our  own  day. 

I thank  you,  sir,  for  a letter  received  by  my  son,  a son  who  has 
suffered  too  severely  from  the  malice  of  his  Contemporaries;  but 
perhaps  not  so  much  from  any  impropriety  in  his  own  Conduct, 
as  from  the  determined  system  of  political  enmity  that  has  ran- 
sacked the  lower  Regions  for  calumnies  to  ruin  his  Father  — your 
Friend  — and  a man  you  know,  or  ought  to  know,  has  never  de- 
viated from  the  line  of  probity  in  public  or  in  private  life:  not- 
withstanding the  efforts  to  destroy  his  influence  in  the  public 
walks,  and  to  cut  him  off  from  the  pleasures  of  private  Friendship 
by  the  basest  and  most  Groundless  insinuations. 

I most  sincerely  wish  you  every  Happiness  in  the  elevated  situa- 
tion you  are  about  to  occupy,  nor  do  I think  there  is  much  danger 
of  the  difficulties  you  mention.  I cannot,  sir,  entirely  agree  with 
you  in  the  observation  that  the  people  of  America  will  be  remark- 
ably averse  to  yield  obedience  to  the  authority  they  have  insti- 
tuted. I am  persuaded  the  new  Government  will  operate  very 
quietly  unless  the  reins  are  held  too  taught,  which  may  Gall 
some  restive  spirits  for  a while;  but  mankind  are  much  more  prone 
to  servile  compliance  to  the  will  of  power  than  to  a sober  and 
Rational  attention  to  that  Freedom  and  independence  which  is 
the  just  claim  of  nature,  and  is  by  no  means  incompatible  with 


3 1 ° 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1789 


the  necessary  subordination  which  must  subsist  to  maintain  a 
just  and  regular  Government. 

You  will  make  my  best  regards  to  Mrs.  Adams  and  to  your 
Children,  and  believe  me,  with  the  highest  esteem  and  respect, 
your  assured  friend  and  Humble  servant. 

M.  Warren 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  May  7,  1789 

Sir,  — Presuming  on  the  Confidential  and  unremitting  friend- 
ship that  has  long  subsisted  between  us,  grounded  on  the  close 
connection  commenced  with  Mr.  Warren  in  the  early  part  of  your 
life,  I again  address  you  without  waiting  an  answer  to  my  last 
which,  according  to  your  usual  politeness  and  punctuality,  I 
doubt  not  will  be  noticed  as  soon  as  the  particular  engagements 
that  have  lately  occupied  your  attention,  the  etiquette  of  the 
entree  public  and  the  consequent  ceremonies,  are  a little  over. 

I do  not  mean  to  flatter  the  most  virtuous  and  the  most  ele- 
vated Characters,  but  I must  assure  you,  sir,  I have  too  high  an 
opinion  of  yours,  to  imagine  it  will  ever  suffer  a diminution  in  my 
mind  from  any  failure  in  friendship  which  I always  thought 
formed  on  the  purest  principles,  strengthened  by  mutual  confi- 
dence and  exertion  in  every  patriotic  measure,  and  increased  by  a 
thousand  circumstances  of  fiery  tryal  through  the  arduous  struggle 
for  the  liberties  of  America. 

You,  my  Dear  sir,  have  successfully  surmounted  all:  you  have 
baffled  the  intrigues  of  your  foes:  have  reached  the  acme  of 
applause,  and  are  placed  in  a situation  to  do  eminent  service  to 
your  country,  to  establish  your  family  and  to  assist  most  essen- 
tially your  friends.  Gen.  Warren  has  unfortunately  been  the  butt 
of  party  malice,  headed  by  a man  (I  know  you  very  justly  and 
heartily  despise),  who  by  his  machinations  has  destroyed  his 
public  influence  and  aided  by  some  others  for  very  obvious  de- 
signs have  most  injuriously  traduced  his  character,  and  wish  to 
ruin  his  Family;  But  Mr.  Adams  is  the  last  man  in  the  united 


1789] 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


3 1 1 


states,  who  I should  suppose  would  listen  to  the  misrepresenta- 
tions, or  be  impressed  by  the  calumnies  of  open  or  disguised  Ene- 
mies to  the  prejudice  of  an  old  and  a tryed  Friend  — a friend 
whose  zeal  and  exertions  in  the  public  cause  you  are  acquainted 
with  and  whose  integrity  you  never  could  suspect.  Perhaps  no 
other  person  has  for  so  many  years  possessed  so  great  a share 
of  his  esteem  and  confidence  as  yourself:  of  consequence,  it  must 
be  supposed  that  you  know  his  undisguised  temper  and  senti- 
ments much  better  than  any  one  of  the  several  descriptions  of  men 
who  have  stuck  at  no  falsehoods  or  even  fosgeries  to  prostrate  his 
political  Character. 

You,  sir,  will  be  sensible  on  a short  recollection  whence  these 
Reflections  have  arisen.  I yet  consider  the  free  and  explicit  man- 
ner of  some  late  conversations  as  a mark  of  your  sincerity  and 
friendship;  and  though  none  of  my  Family  are  soliciting,  at  least 
I am  persuaded  you  will  not  forget  them  at  a time  when  you  have 
it  so  much  in  your  power  to  oblige  without  injustice  to  yourself, 
your  Family,  or  your  Country:  but,  on  the  contrary,  may  indulge 
the  feelings  of  a Friend  and  the  Patriot  by  an  attention  to  the 
interest  of  a Gentleman  who  has  an  equal  claim  from  his  Country 
with  any  man  that  is  of  a uniform  attachment  thereto,  and  an 
indefatigable  industry  to  support  its  welfare  joined  with  the 
strictest  probity  can  justify  that  claim 

But  the  vindictive  spirit  of  his  enemies,  not  sufficiently  Grati- 
fied by  their  too  successful  Efforts  against  him,  have  endeavoured 
to  wound  in  a still  more  tender  part  by  levelling  their  envenomed 
shafts  at  the  reputation  of  a son.  was  there  a propriety  in  calling 
your  attention  at  this  time  to  private  objects,  I could  give  you  a 
curious  detail  of  fact,  relative  to  this  matter.  Yet  I do  not  think 
it  by  any  means  necessary  in  order  to  secure  your  patronage. 
I am  sure  of  it  whenever  an  opportunity  offers  to  serve  any  one 
of  a family  personally  attached  from  infancy  to  you  and  yours. 

This  is  a very  free  letter;  but  when  I have  been  used  to  write 
and  converse  with  the  simplicity  of  truth  and  the  unreserve  of 
confidential  Esteem,  neither  rank  nor  station,  nor  distance  or 
time,  will  check  the  disposition  to  “throw  open  the  Volume  of  the 
soul.”  Especially  when  candor  has  heretofore  beheld  its  contents 


3 1 2 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1789 


with  the  most  favorable  eye.  I shall  only  lock  myself  up  in 
reserve  when  convinced  there  is  no  stability  in  human  Friendships 
by  Mr.  Adams’  forgetfulness  of,  or  indifference  toward,  such  an 
invariable  Friend  as  I know  he  has  from  his  first  entrance  on  life 
possessed  in  Mr.  Warren.  But  though  ill  treated,  maligned  and 
persecuted  in  a most  unjust  and  singular  manner,  he  yet  bears 
and  has  borne  the  unprovoked  abuse  with  the  Dignity  of  con- 
scious rectitude  and  that  Philippic  calmness  which  is  never  the 
companion  of  insurgency , Anarchy  or  Fraud.  I always  have 
thought  those  Ideas  when  applied  to  a person  of  his  established 
and  uniform  character  were  too  ridiculous  to  require  a serious 
refutation;  till  by  a strange  combination  of  parties  (invidious  to 
each  other,  and  who  have  only  united  when  it  would  aid  the  de- 
pression of  a man  of  too  much  independence  of  mind  to  subserve 
their  designs)  they  have  in  some  instances  been  so  successful  as 
to  injure  him  in  the  opinion  of  some  he  highly  esteems. 

But  time  will  make  curious  disclosures,  when  you,  sir,  may  be 
astonished  to  find  the  incendiaries  who  fomented  the  discontents 
among  the  ignorant  and  miserable  insurgents  of  the  Massachu- 
setts in  a class  least  suspected  by  the  world;  by  persons  who  to 
screen  their  own  Guilt  fabricated  and  secretly  caused  the  vague 
and  malignant  rumour  to  light  on  one  of  the  most  cherished 
friends  to  the  Constitution  and  to  his  Country;  a gentleman 
whose  services  have  been  distinguished;  whose  patriotism  has 
been  unshaken  and  his  Virtue  incorruptible;  whose  fortune  has 
been  impaired  and  whose  Family  have  personally  suffered  in  the 
public  cause.  Yet  neither  himself  nor  any  one  of  a family  of  young 
Gentlemen  of  promising  expectations  have  sustained  any  office 
of  honour  or  emolument  since  the  commencement  of  the  Consti- 
tution of  Massachusetts. 

I only  mention  these  things  from  a sense  of  justice,  from  that 
justice  which  I would  wish  to  exercise  toward  any  one,  however 
disconnected,  were  I equally  sure  of  their  merit  and  their  mal- 
treatment. 

You,  sir,  will  excuse  my  detaining  you  thus  long  when  I tell  you 
the  sensibility  of  my  feeling  heart  has  been  awakened  on  many 
trying  occasions;  nor  is  it  totally  an  uninteresting  subject  to 


1789] 


IVarren -Adams  Letters 


3 1 3 


yourself.  For  so  fluctuating  is  the  popular  voice,  and  so  replete 
with  vicissitude  are  all  human  affairs,  that  those  whose  command- 
ing good  fortune  augurs  no  change  for  the  worse  may  yet  con- 
template in  a more  solemn  hour  the  injustice,  the  ingratitude  and 
abuse  experienced  by  themselves,  which  has  been  felt  before  by 
some  of  their  Friends. 

I will  swell  this  long  Epistle  with  only  one  truth  more,  which  I 
dare  say  I may  ever  subjoin  to  my  correspondence  with  you,  that 
I am,  respected  sir,  with  great  esteem  your  sincere  well-wisher, 
assured  Friend  and  very  Humble  servant 

M.  Warren 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  Adams  mss. 

New  York,  May  29th,  1789 

Madam,  — A little  before  my  departure  from  Braintree  I 
received  your  favor  inclosing  a letter  from  Mrs.  Walker.  Last 
night  I received  that  of  the  7th  May.  There  was  no  necessity 
of  any  apology  for  writing  to  me  after  so  long  a correspondence. 
There  has  never  been  on  my  part  any  failure  of  friendship  to  Mr. 
Warren  or  yourself.  You  are  very  much  mistaken  in  your  opinion 
of  my  situation.  I have  neither  reached  the  acme  of  applause  nor 
am  I in  a situation  to  establish  my  Family  or  assist  my  Friends. 
I am  and  have  been  extremely  mortified  from  my  first  arrival  in 
America  to  hear  from  all  quarters  the  unpopularity  of  my  Friend 
Warren  and  his  family,  whom  I was  formerly  accustomed  to  hear 
spoken  of  with  affection  and  respect  by  all.  It  is  not  my  fault  to 
have  listened  to  the  uninterrupted  Ebulitions  of  the  public  wrath. 
For  I must  have  been  wholly  out  of  society  not  to  have  heard 
them,  and  they  hurt  my  heart  most  too  intimately  not  to  make 
a deep  impression.  No  doubt  there  have  been  many  and  great 
exaggerations  and  misrepresentations.  But  one  thing  is  indubit- 
able, that  Gjeneral]  Warren  did  differ  for  a time  from  all  his 
Friends  and  did  countenance  measures  that  appear  to  me,  as  they 
did  to  those  Friends,  extremely  pernicious. 

You  are  pleased  to  say,  Madam,  that  you  are  sure  of  our  Patron- 


3*4 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1789 


age  for  certain  purposes.  In  the  first  place,  I have  no  patronage; 
in  the  next,  neither  your  children  nor  my  own  would  be  sure  of  it 
if  I had  it.  Beyond  my  own  clear  conviction  of  the  public  good  I 
should  belie  the  whole  course  of  my  public  and  private  conduct  and 
all  the  maxims  of  my  life,  if  I should  ever  consider  public  author- 
ity entrusted  to  me  to  be  made  subservient  to  my  private  views, 
or  those  of  my  Family  or  Friends.  The  friendship  between  Gen- 
eral Warren  and  me  began  and  has  continued  on  different  prin- 
ciples. 

No  man  knows  better  than  I do  that  time  will  make  curious 
disclosures.  I should  not  be  astonished  to  find  Incendiaries  who 
fomented  the  discontents  among  the  Insurgents  of  Massachusetts 
in  a class  the  least  suspected  by  the  world.  From  my  earliest 
youth  I have  been  perfectly  aware  that  the  popular  voice  is 
fluctuating  and  that  human  affairs  are  full  of  vicissitudes.  I have 
long  contemplated  in  many  very  solemn  hours  the  Injustice, 
Ingratitude,  and  Abuse  experienced  by  myself,  and  it  would  be 
no  surprise  to  me  if  my  latter  end  should  be  as  melancholy  an 
instance  of  popular  mutability  as  the  annals  of  anarchy  ever 
exhibited  to  the  World.  If  this  should  happen  to  me  or  to  others, 
it  will  wholly  be  owing  to  the  ignorance  of  the  great  leaders  in  the 
Revolution  of  the  nature  of  Government  and  their  obstinacy  in 
refusing  to  learn  it.  But  enough  and  too  much  of  this. 

You  have  not  informed  me,  Madam,  what  particular  View  you 
have  for  Mr.  Warren  or  your  sons.  The  Candidates  are  very 
numerous  and  equally  importunate.  I must  say  to  you  as  to 
every  one  else,  I am  not  the  Person  to  apply  to.  The  Constitu- 
tion has  wisely  made  the  President  the  Judge  in  the  first  instance 
of  the  pretensions  of  all.  Every  application  must  be  made  to  him 
and  it  ought  to  be  made  in  writing.  With  my  sincere  respects  to 
Mr.  Warren  I am,  Madam,  your  Friend  and  humble  Servant 

J.  Adams 


1789] 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters 


315 

Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox  Knox  mss. 

Plimouth,  June  18,  1789 

Sir,  — Though  not  used  to  make  applications  for  office,  I feel 
such  a Confidence  in  your  friendship  as  justifys  my  nameing  to 
you  at  his  request  Major  Henry  Warren,  who  wishes  (and  perhaps 
no  one  is  better  intitled  to  expect  it)  the  appointment  of  Collector 
of  Customs  for  the  port  of  Plimouth  and  Duxborough. 

You,  sir,  are  acquainted  with  mr.  Winslow  Warren,  who  thinks 
you  will  not  forget  him  in  the  arrangement  of  the  military  depart- 
ment, but  I believe  you  may  not  recollect  the  young  Gentleman 
named  above.  General  Lincoln  is  undoubtedly  his  friend.  He  was 
his  first  aid  de  camp  in  the  successful  expedition  against  the  insur- 
gents of  the  western  counties,  he  will  name  him  to  the  President, 
but  knowing  your  intimacy  and  influence  with  him  and  your 
Friendship  for  their  parents,  my  sons  are  led  to  suppose  that 
your  recommendation  alone  is  sufficient. 

I know  not  the  regular  mode  of  application  for  favours  of  this 
kind,  but  judge  that  an  address  for  much  greater  matters  than 
this  might  be  made  with  success  to  the  confidential  Friend  of 
General  Washington,  and  I am  mistaken  indeed  if  your  influence 
should  ever  be  withheld  when  you  have  it  in  your  power  to  serve 
any  one  of  my  Family.1 

Though  I have  not  before  acknowledged  your  favour  of  March 
29  I now  thank  you,  sir,  for  your  care  of  the  inclosures,  for  the 
polite  return,  and  for  your  invitation  to  make  an  excurssion  to 
N.  York.  You  judge  right  when  you  observe  “that  my  zeal  for  the 
happiness  of  my  Country  and  my  belief  in  the  Glory  she  may 
attain,  were  sufficient  to  induce  me  to  wish  to  be  an  immediate 
spectator  of  the  various  agitations  and  projects  of  the  off-set.” 
when  the  wheels  of  a new  Government  destined  for  so  rising  and 
extensive  an  empire  were,  set  in  motion. 

It  would  have  given  me  peculiar  pleasure  to  have  seen  the 
entra  public  of  the  president  and  the  just  tribute  of  honour  and 

1 William  Watson  was  appointed  Collector  for  the  port  of  Plymouth  in  August,  1789, 
and  continued  in  office  until  he  was  removed  under  President  Jefferson  and  Henry  Warren 
named  in  his  place,  November,  1803.  Winslow  Warren  was  commissioned  a lieutenant  in 
the  Second  Regiment,  March,  1791. 


3 *6 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1789 


Gratitude  the  united  voice  pays  to  real  merit  conspicuously 
marked  with  modesty  and  Dignity  in  our  much  revered  Chief 
magistrate.  But  I can  contemplate,  perhaps  with  equal  pleasure, 
beneath  my  own  private  roof  the  felicity  this  people  may  enjoy 
under  the  administration  of  a Man  made  by  Heaven  to  Conduct 
War  and  revolution  with  Glory  to  his  Country:  to  sit  down  in 
peace  with  Honour  and  eclat  to  himself:  and  peculiarly  blessed 
with  the  happy  tallent  of  uniting  the  affections  of  mankind,  we 
now  behold  him  to  the  pride  and  admiration  of  the  present  and 
doubtless  to  the  Wonder  of  future  Generations,  at  the  head  of  our 
civil  police  with  the  hearts  of  all  parties  in  his  hand  and  the 
blessings  of  the  whole  Continent  on  his  head.  Heaven  grant  that 
he  may  be  continued  to  Govern  the  united  states  in  the  untryed 
path  of  infant  empire  and  untrodden  systems  with  the  same  just 
and  universal  applause  He  acquired  in  the  field  when  Gloriously 
leading  the  armies  of  America  to  Victory,  Freedom  and  inde- 
pendence. . . . 

M.  Warren 


Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren  Knox  mss. 

New  York,  9 July , 1789 

Madam,  — Two  posts  past  I had  the  pleasure  to  receive  the 
favor  of  your  letter  dated  the  18th  of  June. 

You  judge  truly,  Madam,  in  thinking  I should  derive  satisfac- 
tion in  serving  any  of  your  family.  All,  however,  that  I do  at 
present  is  to  advise  the  mode  of  proceeding  most  likely  to  effect 
the  object  desired. 

As  the  president  has  the  nomination  to  all  offices,  all  applica- 
tions should  be  made  to  him  in  writing.  It  will,  therefore,  be 
necessary  that  Major  H.  Warren  should  immediately  write  to  the 
President  stating  this  request.  It  would  be  proper  that  his  letter 
be  accompanied  by  vouchers  of  his  character  and  fitness  for  the 
office.  Genl.  Lincoln  and  Mr.  Bowdoin  would  be  good  signers  to 
this  paper.  Were  the  merchants  and  principal  people  also  of 
Plymouth  and  Duxborough  to  sign  another  declaration  of  their 


1790] 


TVarren-  Adams  Letters 


3l7 


desire  of  his  filling  the  office,  it  would  be  a still  firmer  support  to 
his  request. 

As  the  president  is  decided  to  make  his  nominations  on  the 
highest  principles  of  impartiality,  those  who  can  produce  to  him 
the  best  evidence  of  their  qualifications  for  the  offices  for  which 
they  are  candidates,  and  also  of  their  being  acceptable  to  the 
community,  will  undoubtedly  receive  his  support. 

As  the  military  establishment  will  not  probably  be  augmented, 
at  present  no  new  appointments  can  take  place. 

If  an  augmentation  should  be  made,  and  I should  be  so  cir- 
cumstanced as  to  be  able  to  advance  the  views  of  Mr.  W.  Warren, 
I shall  eagerly  embrace  the  opportunity. 

The  machine  of  government  has  required  a considerable  length 
of  time  to  put  it  into  motion,  but  it  is  ardently  to  be  desired  it 
may  answer  the  public  expectation. 

The  President  has  been  quite  sick,  but  is  now  on  the  recovery, 
although  his  disease  will  require  time  before  it  is  subdued. 

The  minds  of  Mrs.  Knox  and  myself  have  been  severely  exer- 
cised between  hope  and  fear  for  some  Days  past,  respecting  the 
life  of  one  of  our  children  who  has  been  at  the  point  of  death. 
We  hope  the  crisis  is  past  and  that  it  is  the  will  of  the  supreme 
principle  of  life  to  bless  it  with  a longer  continuance  on  this 
globe. 

Please  to  present  me  sincerely  to  the  General.  I am,  Madam, 
most  respectfully  your  most  Obedient  Serv., 

H.  Knox 


Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Mercy  Warren 

Boston,  March  25,  1790 

Madam,  — Your  favour  of  the  22  ulto.  has  been  received. 

I am  pleased  with  the  information  that  you  are  attempting  the 
history  of  the  late  important  transaction  of  this  country  which  led 
to  its  seperation  from  Great  Britain.  It  must  be  considered  as  a 
fortunate  circumstance  indeed  when  there  unites  in  the  historian 
the  means  of  the  best  information,  the  power  of  perfectly  pre- 


3 1 8 


IWarren -Adams  Letters  [1790 


serving  the  materials,  an  ability  pleasingly  to  arrange  them  and  a 
disposition  to  undertake  the  laborous  task. 

Permit  me,  Madam,  to  assure  you  that  there  is  nothing  in  my 
power  which  I will  not  undertake  to  facilitate  the  execution  of 
your  laudable  design.  My  public  papers  are  at  your  command. 
As  it  will  be  a work  of  time  to  examine  them  all,  I will  aid  in  the 
business  if  you  will  please  to  point  me  to  any  particular  transac- 
tion on  which  you  wish  information.  I have  the  honour  of  being, 
Madam,  with  Sentiments  of  real  esteem  your  friend  and  servant, 

B.  Lincoln 


George  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 

New  York,  June  4th,  1790 

Madam,  — I did  not  receive  before  the  last  Mail  the  letter 
wherein  you  favored  me  with  a copy  of  the  Dedication,  which  you 
propose  affixing  to  a Work  preparing  for  publication.1  Although 
I have  ever  wished  to  avoid  being  drawn  into  public  view  more 
than  was  essentially  necessary  for  public  purposes;  yet,  on  the 
present  occasion,  duly  sensible  of  the  Merits  of  the  respectable 
and  amiable  writer,  I shall  not  hesitate  to  accept  the  intended 
honor. 

With  only  leisure  to  thank  you  for  your  indulgent  sentiments, 
and  to  wish  that  your  Work  may  meet  with  the  encouragement 
which  I have  no  doubt  it  deserves;  I hasten  to  present  the  Com- 
pliments of  Mrs.  Washington,  and  to  subscribe  myself,  with  great 
esteem  and  regard,  Madam,  Your  Most  Obedient  and  Very 
Humble  Servt. 

Go.  Washington 

1 Poems,  Dramatic  and  Miscellaneous.  By  Mrs.  M.  Warren.  Printed  by  Thomas  and 
Andrews  at  Boston  in  1790.  The  Dedication  to  Washington  is  dated  March  20,  1790.  See 
letter  from  Washington,  November  4,  1790,  infra.  Mrs.  Warren’s  letter  offering  the  Dedi- 
cation, May  1,  1790,  is  printed  in  Correspondence  of  the  Revolution,  Letters  to  Washington, 
iv.  326. 


1790] 


JV arren  - Adams  Letters 


3*9 


Martha  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 

New  York,  June  the  12,  1790 

My  dear  Madam,  — I ought  to  apologise  for  the  interval  that 
has  passed  between  the  receipt  and  acknowledgment  of  your 
obliging  letter  written  in  March  last;  but  I hardly  know  what 
apology  will  be  sufficient  to  excuse  the  apparent,  though  uninten- 
tional neglect.  I believe  the  truth  is  always  the  best  ground  for  an 
apology  on  such  occasions.  Though  I may  not  have  a great  deal 
of  business  of  consequence  to  do;  yet  I have  a great  many  avoca- 
tions of  one  kind  or  another  which  imperceptibly  consumes  my 
time,  and  I know  not  wheather  one’s  reluctance  to  writing  much, 
does  not  increase  with  one’s  years.  The  sevear  illness  with  which 
the  President  was  attacked  some  weeks  agoe,  absorbed  every 
other  consideration,  in  my  care  and  anxiety  for  him.  These 
reasons,  I trust,  will  have  their  due  weight  in  your  candid  mind. 
During  the  President’s  sickness,  the  kindness  which  everybody 
manifested,  and  the  interest  which  was  universally  taken  in  his 
fate,  were  really  very  affecting  to  me.  He  seemed  less  concerned 
himself  as  to  the  event,  than  perhaps  almost  any  other  person  in 
ye  United  states.  Happily  he  is  now  perfectly  recovered,  and  I am 
restored  to  my  ordinary  state  of  tranquility,  and  usually  good 
flow  of  spirits.  For  my  part,  I contrive  to  be  as  happy  hear  as  I 
could  be  at  any  place  except  Mount  Vernon.  In  truth  I should  be 
very  ungreatfull  if  I did  not  acknowledge  that  every  thing  has 
been  done,  which  politeness,  hospitality  or  friendship  could  sug- 
gest, to  make  my  situation  as  satisfactory  and  agreeable  as 
possible.  My  grand  children  have  likewise  good  oppertunities  for 
acquiring  an  useful  and  accomplished  education.  In  their  happi- 
ness, my  own  is,  in  a great  measure,  involved.  But  for  the  ties 
of  affection  which  attract  me  so  strongly  to  my  near  connection 
and  worthy  friends,  I should  feel  myself  indeed  much  weaned 
from  all  enjoyments  of  this  transitory  life. 

If  congress  should  have  recess  this  summer  (as  it  is  expected 
will  be  the  case)  I hope  to  go  home  to  Mount  Vernon  for  a few 
months;  and  from  that  expectation  I already  derive  much  com- 
fort. Especially  as,  I believe,  the  exercise,  relaxation  and  amuse- 


3 20 


IVarren  - Adams  Letters  [ 1790 


ment  to  be  expected  from  such  a journey,  will  tend  very  much  to 
confirm  the  President’s  health.  This  is  also  the  opinion  of  all  his 
Physicians. 

In  passing  down  the  vale  of  time,  and  in  journeying  through 
such  a mutable  world  as  that  in  which  we  are  placed,  we  must 
expect  to  meet  with  a great  and  continual  mixture  of  afflictions 
and  blessings.  This  is  a mingled  cup  which  an  over  ruling  provi- 
dence undoubtedly  dispences  to  us  for  the  wisest  and  best  of  pur- 
poses. And  as  you  justly  observe,  shall  we  short-sighted  mortals 
dare  to  arraign  the  decrees  of  eternal  wisdom. 

That  you  and  yours  may  always  be  under  the  kind  protection 
and  guardianship  of  that  providence  is  the  sincere  wish  of,  dear 
Madam,  your  affectionate  friend  and  humble  Servant 

M.  Washington 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  13  July,  1790 

Madam,  — Your  very  polite  letter  of  25  May  I have  been 
honored  with.  It  was  left  at  my  lodgings  while  I was  upon  a 
journey.  The  flattering  attention  which  you  shewed  toward  an 
old  friend,  would  have  been  sufficient  of  itself,  to  have  engaged 
me  in  forwarding  the  work  proposed  in  the  advertisement  which 
you  inclosed.  But  before  the  receit  of  it  I was  already  engaged, 
and  if  a Gentleman  of  the  University  had  supported  it  as  readily 
as  he  promised,  we  should  have  had  more  subscribers  in  that 
society.  As  it  is,  finding  your  work  in  the  press,  I have  returned 
the  paper  to  the  printer  with  several  names  in  the  civil  line 
affixed  to  it,  and  some  of  them  I hope  you  will  not  be  displeased 
to  see. 

Your  compliments  of  condolance  were  very  interesting  to  us  all. 
Madam  Winthrop’s  1 death  we  did  not  generally  expect,  and  for  a 
considerable  time  did  not  see  the  need  of  it.  Her  own  opinion 
from  the  beginning  was,  that  it  was  her  last  illness.  But  You 

I Hannah,  daughter  of  Thomas  Fayerweather.  She  had  for  a first  husband  Farr 
Tolman,  and  married  Professor  Winthrop  in  1756.  Professor  Winthrop  died  May  3,  1779. 


1790] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


3 2 1 


know  every  circumstance,  the  same  chamber,  the  same  bed,  every 
object  the  same,  the  age  of  the  patient,  and  the  time  of  the  year 
being  the  same  as  took  place  with  respect  to  Dr.  Winthrop  at  his 
death,  were  all  fitted  for  impressing  his  widow  with  the  idea  of 
following  her  husband  to  his  long  home.  She  frequently  spoke 
familiarly  of  her  death,  but  those  around  her  could  [not]  join  in  the 
conversation.  The  idea  was  too  painful. 

The  mansion  house  is  settled  upon  me.  When  I shall  get  into 
it  I do  not  know.  I have  lived  pretty  much  by  accident  till  I 
have  turned  thirty-eight.  It  is  not  I believe  the  want  of  that 
sensibility  which  induces  partial  attachments,  that  has  prevented 
me  from  a regular  manner  of  life;  but  it  has  been  the  want  of  funds. 

Governor  Hancock’s  disorder  tho’  not  severe  seems  to  be  fixed. 
In  the  strife  of  parties  it  is  difficult  to  know  what  to  believe.  I am 
Madam,  with  much  respect  to  You  and  General  Warren  Your 
most  obedt  Servant, 

James  Winthrop 

I forgot  to  mention  Major  Warren’s  visit.  I got  home  to  dine 
that  day,  but  did  not  know  of  his  being  in  this  town  till  the  next 
morning.  My  respects  to  him  and  his  brothers.  When  is  he  to  do 
better  than  I have  done?  It  will  take  some  weeks  to  abate  the 
gloominess  of  ideas  with  regard  to  the  house  where  my  Parents 
resided;  but  I hope  soon  to  have  the  pleasure  of  waiting  on 
General  Warren  and  Lady  there,  and  their  sons  as  often  as  they 
come  into  this  town. 


Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Mercy  Warren 

Boston,  Sepr.  21,  1790 

Dear  Madam,  — This  will  be  given  you  by  my  young  friend 
your  amiable  Son  H[enr]y.  He  returns  to  you  not  because  he  is 
materially  worse  than  when  he  left  Plymouth  but  because  Doer. 
Dexter,  his  Physician,  friend,  and  councillor  thinks  the  business  in 
the  office  is  of  such  a nature  as  will  endanger  the  loss  of  his  little 
remaining  health  if  he  pursues  it.  It  is  with  real  regret  that  I part 


3 2 2 


JLarren  -Adams  Letters  [1790 


with  him  I want  him  as  a clerk  but  I want  him  more  as  a com- 
panion, for  I can  obtain  ten  Clerks  where  I can  find  one  young 
Gentleman  whose  mind  like  his  is  furnished  with  useful  knowledge 
and  whose  disposition  is  so  well  calculated  to  promote  the  happi- 
ness of  all  connected  with  him  Nothing  but  a knowledge  that  our 
seperation  will  promote  his  interest  could  make  the  measure 
tolerable  to  me  My  best  wishes  will  always  attend  him  and  no- 
thing will  make  me  more  happy  than  having  an  opportunity 
really  to  serve  him  saving  that  information  by  which  I should  be 
convinced  that  his  situation  in  life  was  so  perfectly  eligible  as  to 
make  him  independent  of  any  aid  from  mortals  about  him. 

He  will  deliver  you  a copy  of  my  private  letter  to  General 
Washington  there  is  nothing  in  it  which  should  recommend  it  to 
any  saving  to  the  faithful  historian  whose  chief  enquiry  is  for  a 
state  of  facts.  It  is  a short  narrative  of  an  important  transaction, 
the  most  so  to  me  of  any  one  in  which  I held  a part. 

Some  have  thought  that  the  seige  should  not  have  been  under- 
taken with  so  small  an  allowance  of  provisions  and  that  I ought 
not  to  have  retained  so  large  a proportion  of  officers.  Respecting 
the  first  I have,  I think,  explained  in  the  said  letter.  I detained  a 
larger  number  of  officers  than  I otherwise  should  have  detained 
but  for  the  assurance  that  a very  large  reinforcement  of  militia 
would  be  sent  in  to  my  aid.  Had  they  arrived  the  experienced 
officers  would  have  rendered  the  most  important  services  I was 
buoyed  up  from  a hope  that  I should  receive  the  reinforcement 
untill  it  was  too  late  to  send  out  the  officers.  Had  they  been  sent 
out  when  the  seige  first  commenced  it  would  have  been  of  the 
worst  consequences  not  only  to  the  garrison  but  to  the  Citizens  at 
large  my  apprehensions  could  not  have  been  concealed.  However 
an  officer  may  feel  his  feelings  should  be  to  himself.  If  you  shall 
wish  for  a farther  state  of  facts  pray  point  them  to  him  who  has 
the  honor  of  being  with  esteem  and  friendship  yours  sincerely 

B.  Lincoln 


1790]  Warren -Adams  Letters 


3 2 3 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  Sept.  24,  1790 

Sir,  — Though  the  vice-president  of  the  United  States  and  his 
lady  may  have  forgotten  Mrs.  Warren,  yet  her  former  friend,  Mr. 
Adams,  will  accept  a small  volume  from  the  hand  of  their  sincere 
and  very  Humble  servant 

M.  Warren 


Mercy  Warren  to  Henry  Knox  Knox  mss. 

Plimouth,  Sept.  24,  1790 

Sir,  — Though  some  of  my  late  letters  have  been  received  by 
the  minister  at  War  with  a silence  which  perhaps  ought  to  forbid 
further  interruption,  yet  as  I will  not  suppose  it  a designed  neg- 
lect, I ask  my  friend,  General  Knox,  to  accept  a small  volume 
lately  offered  the  public  by  His  most  Obedient  Humble  servant, 

M.  Warren 


George  Washington  to  Mercy  Warren 

Mount  Vernon,  Novr.  4th,  1790 

Madam,  — My  engagements  since  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of 
the  1 2th  of  Septr.,  with  which  I was  honored  two  days  ago,  have 
prevented  an  attentive  perusal  of  the  Book 1 that  accompanied  it; 
but,  from  the  reputation  of  its  Author,  from  the  parts  I have  read, 
and  from  a general  idea  of  the  pieces,  I am  persuaded  of  its  gracious 
and  distinguished  reception  by  the  friends  of  virtue  and  science. 

I desire  to  assure  you  of  the  gratitude  with  which  your  Flatter- 
ing expressions  of  regard  impress  me,  and  of  the  respectful  con- 
sideration, with  which  I have  the  honor  to  be,  Madam,  Your  Most 
Obedt.  and  Most  Hble.  Ser. 

Go.  Washington 

1 Poems,  Dramatic  and  Miscellaneous . Boston,  1790.  See  letter  of  Washington,  June 
4,  1790,  supra. 


324  TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1790 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Philadelphia,  Deer.  26,  1790 

Madam,  — Yesterday  I had  the  Pleasure  of  receiving  your 
favour  of  September  the  twenty  fourth,  with  an  elegant  Copy  of 
your  Poems  dramatic  and  miscellaneous;  for  both  which  I pray 
you  to  accept  my  best  Thanks.  It  is  but  a few  days  since  We 
received  three  other  Copies  addressed  to  me,  but  without  a Letter 
or  any  other  indication  from  whom  or  whence  they  came.  As  We 
were  subscribers  for  the  Publication,  these  might  come  from  some 
Bookseller  who  in  due  time,  will  produce  his  Account  which  We 
shall  be  ready  with  pleasure  to  discharge.  If  they  came  from  you, 
Madam,  We  are  so  much  the  more  obliged  and  thankful  to  you: 
and  shall  hereafter  receive  from  a Bookseller  those  for  which 
We  subscribed.  All  will  not  be  too  many,  and  We  shall  know  very 
well  how  to  dispose  of  them  with  Pleasure  and  Advantage. 

The  Poems  are  not  all  of  them  new  to  me,  by  whom  some  of 
them  have  been  read  and  esteemed  some  years  ago.  However 
foolishly  some  European  Writers  may  have  sported  with  American 
Reputation  for  Genius,  Literature  and  Science:  I know  not  where 
they  will  find  a female  Poet  of  their  own  to  prefer  to  the  ingenious 
Author  of  these  Compositions. 

I am  ignorant,  Madam,  of  any  foundation  you  may  have  for  the 
Distinction  you  make  between  The  Vice  President  and  Mr. 
Adams,  or  for  an  insinuation  that  either  may  have  forgotten  Mrs. 
Warren  since  Mrs.  Warren  is  certainly  indebted  to  The  Vice 
President  and  Mr.  Adams  in  Partnership  for  the  last  Letter. 

Be  pleased,  Madam,  to  present  my  respectful  Regards  to 
General  Warren  and  all  Friends.  With  great  Esteem  I have  the 
Honour  to  be,  Madam  your  most  obedient  and  most  humble 
Servant, 


John  Adams 


TVarren  -Adams  Letters 


325 


1791] 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plimouth,  Jan.  14th,  1791 

Sir,  — An  unsealed  letter  from  you  came  to  my  hand  this  day. 
for  the  letter  I thank  you,  as  it  contained  expressions  of  regard 
and  esteem  which  I have  been  used  to  receive  from  your  pen. 
for  the  manner  I own  myself  at  a loss. 

Does  not  an  unsealed  letter  from  you,  sir,  appear  like  a diminu- 
tion of  that  confidential  intercourse  that  long  subsisted  and  con- 
veyed warm  from  the  heart  the  strong  expressions  of  friendship 
in  many  a close  sealed  packet. 

Was  you,  sir,  apprehensive  that  your  own  reputation  might 
suffer  by  an  attention  to  any  one  of  a family  you  “ had  been  used  to 
hear  spoken  off  with  respect  and  affection  by  all,”  unless  the  public 
first  inspected  the  correspondence.  Yet  perhaps  you  might  mean 
to  do  me  honour  by  letting  the  world  see  your  polite  encomium 
on  a late  publication. 

Indeed  I feel  myself  flattered  by  the  Compliment  and  yet  more 
by  its  being  in  the  stile  of  my  old  friend. 

I acknowledge  I stand  indebted  to  the  vice  president  for  one 
letter  before  his  of  the  26  December. 

But  you  must  permit  me  to  say  some  expressions  in  that  letter 
appeared  so  irreconcilable  with  former  sentiment  that  I was 
impeled  much  against  my  inclination  to  consider  it  as  forbiding 
any  further  interruption. 

Delicate  friendship,  conscious  of  its  own  disinterested  attach- 
ment, is  easily  wounded.  I might,  perhaps,  feel  too  sensibly  some 
former  impressions  that  may  hereafter  be  explained,  but  I can 
never  tax  myself  with  a voluntary  neglect  of  punctuality  or  the 
want  of  attention  in  any  other  instance  towards  a friend  I thought 
unimpressable  by  the  Ebullitions  of  party  or  political  malice.1 

1 In  a brief  note  of  February  14,  Mr.  Adams  stated  that  the  unsealed  letter  was  unin- 
tentional and  due  to  carelessness  on  the  part  of  the  secretary.  He  prepared  a letter  of  the 
same  date  which  was  not  sent.  It  opened  with  an  explanation  of  the  absence  of  sealing 
and  continued:  “Neither  ‘the  ebullitions  of  party  nor  political  malice’  have  made  any 
impressions  on  me.  The  expressions  you  allude  to  were  the  result  of  very  sober  reflection 
upon  facts  proved  to  me  by  the  testimony  of  many  witnesses  of  unquestionable  veracity, 
among  whom  were  not  a few  of  the  best  friends  General  Warren  ever  had  in  his  life.  A 
civil  war,  Madam,  is  in  my  opinion  a very  serious  thing.  This  Country  has  once  at  least 


326 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1791 


A copy  of  the  work  you  informed  me  you  had  just  received  I 
forwarded  immediately  on  publication.  I know  not  what  should 
thus  long  have  retarded  its  passage.  Nor  can  I inform  you,  sir, 
from  whom  you  received  three  other  volumes.  But  could  I have 
supposed,  as  you  obligingly  intimate,  that  you  could  have  dis- 
posed of  so  many  with  pleasure  and  advantage  they  should  have 
been  much  at  your  service  from  the  hand  of  the  author. 

Mr.  Warren  returns  both  friendly  and  respectful  regards. 
You  will  present  me  also  to  Mrs.  Adams.  I am,  Respected  sir, 
with  sincere  esteem  your  most  Obedient  and  Humble  servant 

M.  Warren 


Alexander  Hamilton  to  Mercy  Warren 

Philadelphia,  July  1,  1791 

Madam,  — In  making  you,  thus  late,  my  acknowledgements  for 
the  honor  you  did  me,  by  presenting  me  with  a volume  of  your 
poems,  I dare  not  attempt  an  apology  for  the  delay.  I can  only 
throw  myself  upon  your  clemency  for  a pardon. 

I have  not  however  been  equally  delinquent  towards  the  work 
itself,  which  I have  read,  more  than  once,  with  great  interest.  It 
is  certain  that  in  the  Ladies  of  Castille,1  the  sex  will  find  a new 
occasion  of  triumph.  Not  being  a poet  myself,  I am  in  the  less 
danger  of  feeling  mortification  at  the  idea,  that  in  the  career  of 
dramatic  composition  at  least,  female  genius  in  theUnited  States  has 
outstripped  the  Male.  With  great  consideration  and  esteem  I have 
the  honor  to  be,  Madam,  Your  most  obedt  and  humble  Servant, 

A.  Hamilton 


been  within  a hair’s  breadth  of  a very  bloody  one,  nor  is  it  likely  to  be  soon  so  secure  against 
the  probability  of  another  as  I wish  it.  There  is  more  than  one  among  those  persons  whom 
twenty  years  ago  I counted  among  my  friends  who  are  not  so  explicit  and  decided  as  I 
presume  to  think  they  ought  to  be  in  favor  of  those  principles  and  measures  which  appear 
to  me  indispensable  to  preserve  the  liberty,  peace  and  safety  of  this  people.  As  long  as 
this  indecision  remains,  it  is  impossible  there  should  be  the  same  confidence  between  them 
and  me  which  there  was  once.  The  affection  for  them  which  I once  had  will  never  be 
forgotten,  nor  can  it  ever  be  destroyed;  but  confidence  can  never  be  the  same  without  the 
same  foundation  for  it.”  — Adams  mss. 

1 A tragedy  in  five  acts,  written  in  1783-1784,  at  the  request  of  a “young  gentleman 
in  Europe  ” — her  son,  Winslow. 


1792]  JV arren -Adams  Letters  327 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  3 Aug.,  1791 

Madam,  — I send  the  two  first  Volumes  of  Gibbons’  continua- 
tion, the  whole  work  not  being  at  home.  You  will  see  that  all  the 
answers  which  the  first  part  produced  have  not  tamed  him  on  the 
subject  of  Christianity.  Besides  some  gross  allusions  he  takes 
every  opportunity  to  exalt  the  character  of  the  heathen  or 
mahometan  princes  who  discovered  any  appearance  of  virtue; 
not  considering  that  under  our  system  every  man  almost  has  more 
virtue  than  the  saints  of  the  infidels,  if  such  an  expression  is  not 
an  absurdity. 

I have  several  times  since  my  return  mentioned  in  company 
Mrs.  Macaulay’s  answer  to  Burke,1  but  cannot  find  that  any 
copies  of  it  are  abroad,  except  yours.  This  I a little  wonder  at, 
considering  the  eminence  of  the  writer  and  the  value  of  the  work. 
For  clear,  comprehensive  reasoning  I think  it  a capital  perform- 
ance, tho’  it  has  not  Paine’s  zeal.  I have  read  Burke  but  it 
is  a dreadful  heavy  work.  He  spends  his  whole  force  in  proving 
the  inefficiency  of  experiments  in  France  that  have  succeeded  in 
America.  It  is  true  that  in  both  countries  the  establishments  are 
new,  and  require  vigilance  to  guard  them  against  the  attempts  of 
those  who  are  still  attached  to  hereditary  distinctions.  But  every 
day  will  add  strength  to  systems  that  are  right,  while  errors  will 
gradually  wear  out.  . . . 

James  Winthrop 

Henry  Knox  to  Mercy  Warren 

Philadelphia,  12  Jany.,  1792 

Madam,  — Although  I duly  received  your  favor  of  the  12th 
of  last  month,  yet  my  anxiety  for  your  grief  has  prevented  until 
now  my  writing  to  you. 

In  such  a case  it  is  only  for  a parent  to  feel  a parent’s  woe.2 


1 It  was  published,  anonymously,  in  1790,  being  in  the  form  of  a letter  addressed  to 
the  Earl  of  Stanhope. 

2 Her  son  George  Warren  died  in  Maine- 


328 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1796 


Although  consolations  might  be  offered  to  alleviate  your  afflictions, 
yet  it  is  fairly  presumed  that  minds  elevated  and  improved  as 
yours  and  that  of  General  Warren’s,  have  on  so  dreadful  an 
occasion  had  recourse  to  the  proper  and  only  sources  of  comfort. 
Great  father  of  spirits,  how  severe  the  Agony  of  a tender  parent 
on  such  a loss!  I cannot  dwell  on  the  theme! 

Permit  me  only  to  add,  my  ardent  prayer,  that  your  farther 
continuance  here,  may  as  much  as  possible  be  an  anticipation  of 
the  happiness  destined  hereafter  to  reward  the  good. 

I am  madam  with  sentiments  of  entire  cordiality  and  respect 
Your  and  General  Warren’s  sincere  friend  and  very  humble 
Servant, 

H.  Knox 


Mrs.  Judith  Sargent  Murray  to  Mercy  Warren 

Boston,  Franklin  Place,  March  4th,  1796 
Respected  Madam,  — Although  I cannot  boast  the  honor  of  a 
personal  acquaintance  with  you,  yet  having  repeatedly  perused, 
with  highly  zested  pleasure,  the  volume  with  which  you  have 
obliged  the  world,  I trace  in  that  invaluable  publication,  amid  the 
brilliant  manifestations  of  Genius  so  conspicuously  displayed 
therein,  unequivocal  demonstration  of  a mind  fraught  with  a 
sufficient  degree  of  candour,  and  benevolence,  to  embolden  a more 
humble  Adventurer  in  the  Career  of  fame,  to  solicit  your  sanction 
to  an  attempt,  originating  in  an  ardent  solicitude  to  please,  and 
cherished,  and  matured,  by  the  emulative  glow,  so  frequently 
enkindled  by  great  examples.  When  the  Virtues  are  combined 
with  talents,  admiration  is  then  the  growth  of  Reason,  and  justice 
delighteth  to  entwine  for  the  brow  of  merit,  thus  established,  her 
ever  blooming  chaplets.  Yes,  honored  Lady,  It  is  most  true  “ To 
lead  the  envied  way  is  thine.”  But,  tracing  thy  splendid  footsteps, 
the  daughters  of  Columbia  become  ambitious  of  some  reflected 
ray,  by  which  to  point  the  lengthening  view,  with  such  wide 
expansion  out  spread  before  them;  and  the  literary  Votaress, 
aspiring  to  distinction,  will  ambitiously  seek  to  authorize  her  pre- 


1796] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


3 29 


tensions  by  the  Celebrious  name  of  Warren.  It  is  hence,  Madam, 
that  the  inclosed  proposals  meet  your  eye,  and  if  you  will  con- 
descend to  propitiate  the  wishes  of  the  Gleaner,  by  your  own 
signature,  and  that  of  any  of  your  numerous  friends,  you  will,  in 
the  course  of  the  Essays,  contained  in  the  work,  be  furnished  with 
a reason  for  my  assuming  the  masculine  character,  and  you  will 
confer  a very  high  obligation  on  one,  who  has  wept  over  your  mis- 
fortunes, who  has  been  improved,  and  charmed  by  your  “ Fame 
embelished  lays,”  who  entertains  a fervent  wish  for  your  continued, 
and  augmenting  celebrity,  and  who  has  the  honor  to  be,  with 
great  respect,  and  high  esteem  Madam,  your  most  obedient 
humble  servant, 

J.  Sargent  Murray1 


Jabez  Bowen  to  Mercy  Warren 

Providence,  April  20th,  1796 

Dear  Madam,  — Your  favour  of  the  21st  of  March  came  duly 
to  hand,  and  tho’  we  have  not  keept  up  that  correspondence  which 
arose  from  an  Acquaintance  formed  when  the  whole  Soule  was 
Engaged  for  the  saving  of  our  Country  from  the  Yorke  of  Oppres- 
sion, Yet  we  on  our  parts  have  omitted  no  oppertunity  that  pre- 
sented, to  enquire  after  the  Welfare  of  you  and  Yours. 

The  verry  heavy  Afflictions  that  has  befallen  our  Families, 
particularly  in  the  Removing  our  First  Born,  our  Eldest  Son,2 
one  would  naturally  suppose  should  tend  to  draw  the  Cords  of 
Friendship  more  close:  may  we  make  such  Improvements  from 
these  dispensations,  as  shall  enable  us  more  and  more  to  Honour 
our  great  Benefactor  let  our  circumstances  in  Life  be  as  they  may. 

You  enquire  after  the  Health  of  our  Aged  Parents3  I have  the 


1 Mrs.  Judith  (Sargent  Stevens)  Murray,  daughter  of  Winthrop  Sargent,  printed  in 
the  Massachusetts  Magazine  essays  gathered  in  three  volumes  in  1798  as  The  Gleaner,  by 
Constantia  and  also  “Poetical  Essays”  over  the  signature  Honora  Martesia  in  the  Boston 
Weekly  Magazine.  A “new  series”  of  The  Gleaner  appeared  in  London  in  1845.  She  died 
at  Natchez,  Mississippi,  June  6,  1820,  aged  sixty-nine  years.  Her  second  husband  was  Rev. 
John  Murray  (1741-1815),  said  to  be  the  first  preacher  of  universal  salvation  in  America. 

2 Obadiah  Bowen  (1763-1793),  being  lost  in  the  shipwreck  of  the  Mary,  off  Dunkirk. 

3 Ephraim  Bowen  (d.  1812)  and  Mary  Fenner. 


33° 


TV arren  -Adams  Letters  [1797 


pleasure  to  inform  you  that  they  Enjoy  Life  with  much  Vivacity 
and  Health.  Sisters  Nancy  and  Fanny  have  both  Marrid  in 
South  Carolina  the  first  to  Mr.  Ed.  Mitchel1  the  latter  to  Mr. 
John  E.  Moore.2  Eliza,  Marrid  Mr.  John  Ward  3 and  sister  Mary 
remains  in  her  Father’s  house  to  Comfort  the  old  Folks.  The  rest 
of  our  Friends  with  whom  you  are  Acquainted  enjoy  health, 
except  Sister  Clarke  who  has  been  long  an  Invalid. 

My  Business  in  the  Loan  Office  makes  it  verry  difficult  to  leave 
Town,  so  that  I cannot  promise  a Visit  soon.  Nevertheless  we 
shall  be  really  glad  to  see  you  and  the  General  here  soon,  we  will 
exert  our  best  Abilities  to  make  the  Time  pass  agreably  and 
Pleasantly. 

When  we  settled  our  Accounts  there  was  Twelve  Books  re- 
mained on  hand,  and  which  I expected  you  would  have  Orderd 
out  of  my  Hands.  I will  use  my  Endeavours  to  dispose  of  them, 
or  will  send  them  to  the  person  you  may  direct. 

Mrs.  Bowen  presents  her  best  Comps,  to  you  the  Genl.  and 
the  other  Branches  of  your  Family,  with  whom  I joyn,  and 
Remain,  Madam  your  Friend  and  Obedient  Servant, 

Jabez  Bowen  4 


John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 

Phila.,  Feb.  20,  1797 

My  dear  Sir,  — Your  favour  of  30th  of  January  has  not  yet 
been  answered.  It  is  full  of  Observations,  which  could  not  be 
made  but  by  a Man  of  Experience  as  well  as  Wisdom  and  public 
Spirit. 

Information  will  not  be  easy  for  me  to  obtain  especially  from 
the  Southern  States  where  my  Friends  are  generally  so  old  and  so 
disinclined  to  interfere,  if  not  so  indolent,  that  I shall  be  obliged 
to  receive  it  frequently  from  Enemies  or  at  least  from  cold  Friends. 

1 Married  September  6,  1792.  2 Married  August  24,  1789. 

3 Married  December  25,  1792. 

4 (I739~I8i5.)  See  Yale  Biographies  (Dexter),  11.  452. 


1797]  JVarren -Adams  Letters  331 


I shall  seize  it  however  with  avidity,  let  it  come  from  whom  it 
will,  if  I can  depend  upon  it  as  fact. 

I feel  no  apprehensions  from  Mr.  Jefferson.  The  Cause  of  the 
irritation  upon  his  Nerves,  which  broke  out  in  some  disagreable 
Appearances,  a few  years  ago,  is  now  removed  as  I believe;  and 
I expect,  from  his  ancient  friendship,  his  good  Sense  and  general 
good  dispositions,  a decorum  of  Conduct  at  least,  if  not  as  cordial 
and  uniform  a Support  as  I have  given  to  my  Predecessor,  which 
is  and  shall  be,  the  Pride  and  boast  of  my  Life.  I have  had  Temp- 
tations, which  however  I found  no  disposition  in  my  heart  to 
comply  with  and  found  no  difficulty  to  resist. 

As  to  information  from  abroad;  that  is  already  in  a train  that  it 
will  be  very  difficult,  if  not  impossible  for  me,  to  interrupt.  There 
are,  who,  you  may  suppose,  have  enough  of  my  Confidence. 
There  are  none,  whom  I distrust.  But  I wish  I could  be  more 
confident  than  I am  of  the  Industry  Vigilance  and  Zeal  as  well  as 
Judgment  and  discernment  of  some.  Talents  of  some  sorts,  how- 
ever brilliant,  are  not  always  the  only  ones,  necessary  to  search 
the  hearts  of  Courtiers  and  penetrate  the  Views  of  Cabinets. 

The  Places  abroad  are  or  will  be,  before  my  Day  arrives,  all  full. 
It  is  my  private  opinion  that  Ministers  at  the  Neutral  Courts  of 
Sweeden  and  Denmark,  would  at  this  important  Period,  be  not 
only  usefull,  but  important.  But  among  the  Representatives 
there  are  so  many  against  all  foreign  Missions  and  so  many  more 
against  enlarging  the  Number,  that  I fear  it  will  be  hopeless  to 
propose  such  a measure. 

Indeed  the  Office  before  me,  is  not  a “Sinecure.”  I never  in  my 
life  felt  such  an  awful  Weight  of  Obligation  to  devote  all  my  time, 
and  all  the  forces  that  remain,  to  the  Public. 

It  will  be  in  your  Power  to  alleviate  the  Burden  a great  deal, 
unless  yours  should  be  increas’d  in  a way  that  I must  confess 
Is  the  Wish  of  your  Friend  and  Sert. 


John  Adams 


332 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1797 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  March  4th,  1797 

My  dear  Madam,  — I received  yesterday  your  obliging  favour 
of  Feb’ry  27th.  I have  been  so  little  a favorite  of  fortune  that  I 
never  once  examined  my  Numbers  of  the  Newspapers,  or  other- 
ways,  concluding  that  those  who  were  equally  interested  would 
take  proper  care  for  me.  as  I had  formd  no  expectations,  I meet 
with  no  dissapointment,  and  am  quite  pleased  that  my  adventure 
should  be  appropriated  to  the  promotion  of  Science  and  Literature. 

The  few  shillings  in  your  hands  be  so  kind  as  to  lay  out,  in  the 
purchase  of  some  little  Books,  and  present  them  for  me,  to  the 
Lovely  Marcia  as  a token  of  approbation  for  the  sweet  engageing 
simplicity  of  manners,  which  were  so  conspicuous  in  her. 

For  your  Congratulations  upon  a late  important  event,  accept 
my  acknowledgments,  considering  it  as  the  voluntary  and  un- 
solicited Gift,  of  a Free  and  enlightened  people,  it  is  a precious 
and  valuable  Deposit,  and  calls  for  every  exertion  of  the  Head, 
and  every  virtue  of  the  Heart,  to  do  justice  to  so  sacred  a Trust, 
yet  however  pure  the  intentions,  or  upright  the  conduct,  offences 
will  come. 

High  Stations,  Tumult,  but  not  bliss  create. 

As  to  a Crown,  my  Dear  Madam,  I will  not  deny,  that  there  is 
one  which  I asspire  after,  and  in  a Country  where  envy  can  never 
enter  to  plant  Thorns  beneath  it.  the  fashion  of  this  world  pas- 
seth  away.  I would  hope  that  I have  not  lived  in  vain,  but  have 
learned  how  to  estimate,  and  what  value  to  place  upon  the  fleeting 
and  transitory  enjoyments  of  it. 

I shall  esteem  myself  peculiarly  fortunate,  if  at  the  close  of  my 
publick  Life,  I can  retire,  esteemed  beloved  and  equally  respected 
with  my  predecessor. 

Old  Friends  can  never  be  forgotten  by  me.  in  that  number  I 
have  long  been  accustomed  to  consider  the  Genii,  and  Mrs. 
Warren,  it  will  always  give  me  pleasure  to  see  them  at  peace- 
Field,  or  where  ever  else  they  may  meet,  their  Friend  and  Humble 
Servant,  Abigail  Adams 


1797] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


333 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  October  ist,  1797 

My  dear  Madam,  — I acknowledge  myself  indebted  to  you  for 
two  kind  Letters,  both  of  which  found  me  in  circumstances 
of  distress;  the  first  which  came  to  me  before  I went  to  Phila- 
delphia, I fully  intended  to  have  replied  to  at  the  Time,  but  the 
many  cares  and  avocations  which  at  that  time  occupied  my  mind, 
preparitory  to  my  going,  and  the  peculiar  melencholy  circum- 
stance of  the  Death  of  my  Mother  and  Neice  within  a day  or  two 
of  each  other,  not  only  arrested  me  in  my  journey,  but  added  to 
the  cares  with  which  I had  before  felt  myself  opprest.  to  you 
therefore,  who  have  so  frequently  been  summoned  on  like  solemn 
occasions  I need  make  no  further  appology. 

Your  last  kind  Letter,  which  I had  no  right  to  expect,  and  was 
therefore  received  as  a pledge  of  a Friendship  which  bears  the 
stamp  of  Time,  and  which  I hope  will  endure  with  our  Lives, 
however  we  may  discent  upon  some  subjects,  upon  that  of  mutual 
good  will  esteem,  and  real  affection  I trust  we  shall  be  ever  united, 
and  your  Letter  expressive  of  it  should  have  met  a ready  reply 
but  I was  disabled  both  with  my  Eyes  and  Hands,  having  met  an 
accident  in  a carriage  which  like  to  have  cost  me  my  Life.  I have 
however  recovered  so  as  to  leave  only  a small  scar  behind. 

Your  kind  invitation  to  visit  you  in  the  only  stile  which  can 
ever  be  agreable  to  me,  that  of  Hospitality  and  freedom,  would 
have  given  both  Mr.  Adams  and  myself  great  pleasure,  a promise 
which  he  made  to  the  Secretaries,  of  not  being  absent  from  Quincy 
more  than  one  day  at  a Time,  that  their  communications  might 
always  find  him,  has  confined  him  to  this  place  ever  since  his 
return,  one  only  visit  have  I made,  and  that  to  my  sister  in  New 
Hampshire.  I fulfilld  two  duties,  that  of  visiting  a very  dear 
Sister,  which  I had  not  done  before,  since  her  residence  and 
marriage  in  that  State,  and  placing  my  two  Grandsons  at  an 
accademy  there,  and  in  her  Family  and  under  her  inspection, 
that  they  may  receive  a Genuine  New  England  education  which 
I am  Yankey  enough  to  prefer  to  any  other  I have  yet  seen. 

We  leave  this  place  in  a few  days,  without  knowing  where  we 


334 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1798 


are  to  stop,  the  distrest  state  of  a city  which  seems  devoted  to 
Calamity,  and  the  pestilence  which  still  rages  there,  renders  it 
dangerous  to  enter  it  at  this  Time,  and  the  certain  clamour  which 
will  be  raised  if  Congress  are  convened  at  any  other  place,  renders 
it  difficult  for  the  president  to  know  what  is  best  and  most  for 
the  Good  of  the  Country,  and  the  Safety  of  its  Members;  without 
being  much  nearer,  where  a more  accurate  statement  of  Facts 
can  be  ascertained.  The  Philadelphians  will  complain  and  say 
there  is  no  danger,  tho  at  present  their  city  is  deserted  of  two 
thirds  of  its  inhabitants. 

I received  a Letter  from  Mrs.  Otis,  a few  days  since.  She  with 
her  Family  are  at  Bristol  about  eighteen  miles  from  the  city,  and 
were  all  well. 

When  I was  at  providence  I took  Tea  at  the  late  Govenour 
Bowen,  they  inquired  kindly  and  particuliarly  after  you  and  your 
Family,  and  desired  a particuliar  remembrance  to  you. 

The  president  joins  me  in  an  affectionate  remembrance  to  his 
old  Friend  the  Genii,  and  to  Mrs.  Warren  both  of  whom  it  would 
have  given  him  pleasure  to  have  seen  at  Quincy.  I am,  dear 
Madam,  with  sentiments  of  Regard  and  esteem  Your  affectionate 
Friend 

Abigail  Adams 


Harrison  Gray  Otis  to  Mercy  Warren 

Phila.,  March  15,  1798 

My  dear  Madam,  — It  is  a long  time  that  I have  been  your 
Debtor  for  your  affectionate  enquiry  after  my  health  when  I was 
in  Boston.  That  journey  naturally  created  an  accumulation  of 
business  which  pressed  rather  heavily  upon  my  return;  and  my 
complaint  made  it  desirable  to  avoid  as  much  as  possible,  the 
occupation  of  writing.  I am  thank  God,  much  better.  My  friends 
thought  I was  never  very  ill,  and  I doubt  not  that  absence  from 
home  and  a privation  of  my  habitual  domestic  pleasures  aggra- 
vated my  indisposition.  I was  however  harrassed  by  a hoarseness 
and  pain  in  my  breast  which  have  not  entirely  left  me.  The  pain 


1798] 


W arren  -Adams  Letters 


335 


is  changeable  and  fugitive;  and  as  I retain  strength  and  appetite 
and  sleep  well,  I am  not  without  hope  that  it  is  chiefly  rheumatic. 

You  will  perceive  by  the  papers,  all  the  news  that  we  have 
lately  received.  The  dispatches  which  accompanied  the  late  letter 
from  our  Commissioners  are  not  even  now  fully  decyphered. 
It  is  however  whispered  but  I know  not  on  what  ground,  that  they 
consist  of  the  little  details  of  their  transactions  and  opinions, 
which  will  not  aid  a public  investigation  of  the  state  of  our  affairs, 
and  which  might  be  injurious  to  our  friends  who  remain  in  France. 
It  is  sufficiently  evident  that  they  are  not  to  be  received,  and  not 
less  so,  that  a hostile  and  predatory  conduct  towards  us,  will 
continue  on  the  part  of  our  dear  Allies.  Our  only  chance  of 
escaping  from  war,  or  from  the  calamities  of  war,  inflicted  under 
some  other  name,  seems  to  consist  in  the  prospect  that  the  powers 
at  war  cannot  long  remain  in  their  present  high  and  constrained 
attitude.  But  whether  Great  Britain  is  doomed  to  yield  to  the 
arms  and  politicks  of  France,  or  whether  the  five  Kings  will 
squabble  with  each  other,  so  that  “honest  men  may  come  to 
their  dues,”  are  events  shrouded  from  our  foresight.  I shall  bear 
either  of  them  with  Christian  Fortitude,  if  our  own  Country  can 
be  permitted  to  remain  at  peace.  I write  this  at  my  desk  in  the 
Hall  of  Congress,  so  that  if  it  does  not  discover  either  fancy  or 
genius,  I hope  you  will  impute  the  deficiency  in  part,  to  a very 
heavy  Speaker  who  now  assails  my  ear  with  a very  somniferous 
monotony. 

I send  you  the  substance  of  my  speech  on  foreign  intercourse; 
not  on  account  of  its  merit  but  to  satisfy  you  that  my  hoarseness 
is  in  some  measure  relieved. 

With  great  respect  and  regard,  and  friendly  remembrance  to 
Uncle  Warren  and  my  Plimouth  Connections,  I am,  Dear  Madam, 
Your  affect.  Nephew, 


H.  G.  Otis 


336  JV arren  -Adams  Letters  [ 1798 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Philadelphia,  April  25,  1798 

My  dear  Madam,  — I received  your  obliging  favour  of  April 
7th  on  the  18  of  this  month,  for  which  accept  my  sincere  thanks. 
To  hear  of  the  Health,  and  welfare,  of  old,  and  esteemed  Friends, 
gives  pleasure  to  her,  who  sincerely  rejoices,  that  the  decline  of 
Life,  of  all  those,  whom  she  highly  values;  is  renderd  agreable 
by  the  enjoyment  of  Health,  peace,  and  Competance.  Blessingjs] 
at  all  periods  valuable  but  more  particularly  so,  when  active  Life, 
yealds  to  the  more  tranquil  and  contemplative  Scenes  of  Age. 
A scene  to  which  your  Friends  are  as  rapidly  hastning,  as  time 
can  carry  them;  and  accelerated  by  the  Burdens  which  are  de- 
volved upon  them,  when  retirement  from  the  “worlds  mad  stage” 
would  be  more  consonant  to  their  feelings,  particularly  as  they 
have  weather’d  one  political  storm,  and  enterd  the  Harbour  with 
safety,  it  is  hard  to  be  calld  again  to  engage  in  a Tempest,  and 
with  a power  which  defies  all  Laws,  both  humane  and  devine, 
whose  Ambition  knows  no  limits,  and  which  seems  to  threaten 
universal  domination,  and  like  an  other  Alexander,  weep  for  new 
worlds  to  conquer.  “In  proportion,  (to  use  the  words  of  a cele- 
brated writer)  as  we  have  been  attracted  towards  the  focus  of 
illegality,  and  irreligion  all  the  venemous  and  blighting  insects  of 
our  Country,  have  been  awakened  into  life,  and  the  promise  of  the 
years  has  been  blasted.” 

The  olive  Branch,  tendered  to  our  Gallic  Allies,  by  our  Envoys; 
has  been  rejected  with  scorn,  nor  would  the  Military  Despots, 
give  to  our  Ambassadors,  an  opportunity  of  presenting  those 
liberal  generous  and  pacific  terms,  with  which  they  were  Charged, 
they  seemed  to  think  all  negotiation  useless,  which  possessd  not 
the  power  of  Midas.  The  haughtiness  by  which  the  proud  repell 
us,  has  this  of  good  in  it;  that  in  making  us  keep  our  distance,  they 
must  keep  their  distance  too,  having  swallowd  up  all  the  Repub- 
licks  with  which  they  have  contended,  drained  them  of  all  their 
resources,  they  proceed  from  the  same  rapacious  spirit,  to  im- 
prison the  Ambassador  of  a sovereign  power:  not  as  alledged,  for 
offering  a Bribe,  but  having  exacted  from  his  court  one  heavy 


1798] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


337 


contribution,  as  the  price  of  peace;  and  employd  that  very  money 
in  establishing  their  late  military  despotism,  they  refuse  to  sign 
the  Treaty,  which  was  a few  days  protracted,  in  order  to  obtain 
the  consent  of  an  Ally,  against  whom  some  articles  militated  with 
their  former  engagements,  having  obtained  their  consent,  the 
Minister  presented  the  Treaty  for  signature,  and  was  refused, 
unless  a new  gift  of  a still  more  oppressive  sum  was  given  upon  the 
refusal  of  his  court  to  comply,  the  Minister;  contrary  to  the  Law  of 
Nations  is  imprisoned,  and  portugal  threatened  with  an  invasion. 
The  dispatches  from  our  Envoys  which  you  have  undoubtedly 
read;  and  which  I now  send  you,  will  be  prooff  sufficient,  to  shew, 
what  a pitch  of  venality,  Rapacity  and  avarice,  the  present  Rulers 
of  France  have  arrived  at.  The  confidence  with  which  they  boast 
of  a powerfull  party  in  this  Country  devoted  to  their  views,  is 
daily  experienced,  their  emissaries  are  scatterd  through  all  parts 
of  this  extensive  union,  sowing  the  seeds  of  vice,  irreligion,  cor- 
ruption, and  sedition,  hence  has  grown  up  that  spirit  of  party, 
and  of  faction  within  those  walls,  where  wisdom  and  patriotism 
alone  should  preside;  where  you  behold  sophistry,  substituted 
instead  of  argument,  and  personal  Reflections  giving  place  to 
National  Dignity  and  Decorum.  I wish  however  a veil  to  be 
thrown  over  the  disgracefull  business  which  occupied  much  too 
large  a portion  of  the  present  session;  and  that  it  may  sink  into 
oblivion  with  the  party  views  which  supported  it 

The  Nation  appears  to  be  rousing  from  the  Lethargy,  which 
has  too  long  benumbed  its  powers,  and  rising  to  a Sence  of  its  own 
Dignity,  and  consequence,  with  a firm  resolution  to  repell  the 
insults  offerd  her,  too  long  a habit  of  humiliation,  does  not  seem  a 
very  good  preparative  to  manly  and  vigorous  sentiments,  but  the 
reluctance  which  every  American  feels  to  engage  in  Hostilities 
with  any  Nation,  and  the  desire  they  have  to  sacrifice  all  con- 
sideration to  the  preservation  of  peace,  short  of  their  Independ- 
ance,  and  Security,  has  restrained  them  from  expressing  the  full 
extent  of  their  Indignation  against  a Nation,  which  they  con- 
siderd  as  oppressed,  and  in  the  early  stages  of  its  Revolution, 
sincerely  wished  it  success  in  obtaining  and  securing  to  itself 
equal  Liberty  and  social  Rights,  but  when  we  see  them  from 


338  JV arren -Adams  Letters  [1798 


being  oppressed,  become  themselves  the  greatest  of  all  oppressors 
and  usurpers,  we  can  no  longer  wish  them  success. 

If  we  become  a united  people,  there  is  no  doubt  but  we  can 
withstand  the  storms  which  threatens  us.  united  we  stand,  united 
we  are  formidable,  and  sufficient  to  ourselves,  nor  need  we  seek  a 
Foreign  Aid,  or  dread  a Foreign  Foe. 

As  Calumny,  and  abuse  upon  the  Fairest  Characters  and  the 
best  Men  in  France,  was  one  of  the  most  powerfull  engines,  em- 
ployed to  overturn  one  set  of  Rulers  and  in  sitting  up  others 
who  in  their  turn  shared  the  same  fate,  so  have  their  emissaries 
adopted  the  same  weapons  in  this  Country  and  the  Liberty  of  the 
press  is  become  licentious  beyond  any  former  period,  the  Good 
sense  of  the  American  people  in  general  directs  them  Right, 
where  they  can  see  and  judge  for  themselves,  but  in  distant  and 
remote  parts  of  the  union,  this  continued  abuse,  deception,  and 
falshood  is  productive  of  great  mischief,  and  tends  to  destroy 
that  confidence  and  Harmony  which  is  the  Life  Health  and 
Security  of  a Republick. 

I write  to  you,  my  dear  Madam,  with  the  Freedom  and  con- 
fidence of  an  old  Friend,  who,  I am  sure,  will  unite  with  me  in 
sincere,  and  ardent  wishes,  for  the  peace  security  and  prosperity 
of  our  common  Country. 

The  president  desires  me  to  present  to  Genii.  Warren  the 
Remembrance  of  an  old  Friend  who  would  be  much  more  at 
his  ease,  and  happier  in  cultivating  the  usefull  science  of  Agri- 
culture with  him,  than,  in  the  arduous,  complicated,  turbulant  and 
difficult  task  assignd  him.  he  will  however  do  his  utmost,  that 
the  fruits  of  the  Husbandman,  and  the  Commerce  of  the  Mer- 
chant shall  be  protected  and  secured,  and  that  the  Liberty  and 
Independance  which  we  obtaind  and  secured  from  the  Grasp 
of  one  Foreign  Nation,  shall  not  be  unjustly  wrested  from  us 
by  any  other  power,  if  we  are  but  just  to  ourselves,  and  in  these 
endavours  he  hopes  for  the  aid  and  countanance  of  all  his  fellow 
citizens. 

When  I return  to  Quincy,  which  I hope  may  be  in  the  course 
of  the  summer,  it  will  give  me  great  pleasure  to  see  and  welcome 
you  and  Genii.  Warren  at  Peace  Field. 


1798] 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


339 


My  compliments  to  your  son  and  daughter  and  to  Miss  Marcia. 
From  dear  Madam  your  Friend  and  Humble  Servant 

Abigail  Adams 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Philadelphia,  June  17,  1798 

You  and  I,  my  Dear  Madam,  have  trod  together,  through  one 
Gloomy  Scene,  of  War,  havock  and  desolation;  and  we  have  seen 
our  Country  rise  superiour  to  oppression,  and  despotism  and  take 
its  Rank  among  the  Nations,  presenting  at  this  period,  the  only 
spectacle,  of  a Free  Republic,  which  has  not  been  Revolutionized, 
by  the  Gormandizing  and  insatiable  thirst  of  that  power,  which 
like  the  Grave,  crys  Give,  Give,  whilst  the  departed  wealth, 
opulence  and  Liberty  of  Batavia,  the  Cruelly  oppress’d  Geneva, 
Genoa,  all  Itally,  and  the  partitiond  and  Barterd  Venice,  with 
the  Barbarously  Sacrificed  Switzerland,  and  Bern  cry  to  us  with 
an  awefull  warning  voice,  to  behold  their  Fate,  and  secure  our- 
selves by  a direct  opposite  conduct  to  that  which  has  proved  fatal 
to  them. 

I would  hope  that  the  destroying  Angel  may  not  be  commis- 
sioned to  visit  us  in  wrath,  but  that  he  may  visit  us  on  an  errand 
of  Love,  to  warn  us  against  those  contaminating  principles  and 
abominations,  which  have  made  all  Europe  one  Golgotha. 

May  the  God  of  our  Fathers  protect  us,  and  if  we  must  be 
scourged,  remember  Mercy  for  us. 

“You  observe,  That  Providence  has  deposited  a high  trust  in 
the  Hands  of  the  President,  and  that  it  is  optional,  with  him,  from 
the  confidence  reposed  in  him  by  the  people,  to  abuse  his  power, 
or  to  continue  the  object  for  which  our  Country  has  made  such 
costly  sacrifices.” 

Hastening  to  that  period  which  in  Scripture  is  termed  the  Life 
of  Man,  having  every  thing  at  stake  which  can  render  the  remnant 
peacefull,  or  the  future  happy,  reputation  and  honour,  Life 
Liberty,  and  property,  is  it  possible  to  have  a wish  or  desire  which 
is  not  interwoven  with  the  present  and  future  prosperity,  freedom 


340 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1798 


and  independance  of  united  America?  it  depends  upon  the  people 
to  say  that  they  will  remain  a free  and  happy  Republic. 

Permit  me  to  transcribe  a sentance  from  an  answer  to  an 
address  presented  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  County  of  Otsego  in 
the  State  of  New  York. 

“Your  reliance  on  the  good  sense  fortitude,  and  integrity  of 
your  fellow  citizens,  I trust  will  not  deceive  you.  all  depends 
upon  these  virtues,  if  these  fail  us,  we  are  lost,  our  constitution 
and  administration  all  depend  upon  them,  our  Government 
without  these  aids  has  no  power  at  Home,  or  abroad:  we  have  no 
other  principle  of  union,  or  capacity  of  defence.” 

In  an  other  replie,  to  the  people  of  Potts  Town  in  (Penn)  are 
these  words,  “Your  confidence,  that  I will  not  surrender  the 
rights  of  the  Nation,  shall  not  be  betrayed.  If  the  Nation  were 
capable  of  such  a surrender  (which  it  is  not)  some  other  Hand 
must  affix  the  signature  to  the  ignominious  deed” 

With  these  sentiments  will  my  Friend  live  and  with  these  senti- 
ments he  will  like  the  Brave  avoyer,  Steiguer  of  Bern,1  meet  death 
if  decreed  to  him. 

The  stay  of  our  envoys  in  France  is  protracted  to  an  allarming 
degree  for  their  personal  safety,  and  I had  almost  said  for  our 
National  honour.  The  Decree  of  the  Directory  respecting  Neutrals 
and  the  declaration  of  Talleyrand,  that  we  could  only  Buy  it  off, 
ought  to  have  been  the  signal  for  the  departure  of  our  Envoys 
The  cup  of  Humiliation  was  full,  what  has  since  happend,  are  its 
overflowings,  they  have  Borne  it!  but  the  indignation  of  their 
Country  spurns  it.  I inclose  to  you  the  last  dispatch  Heaven 
Grant,  that  it  may  be  the  last. 

The  testimonials  in  Approbation  of  the  measures  persued  by 
the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  Union,  with  respect  to  France,  which 
as  you  observe,  have  poured  in  from  all  quarters  of  the  Union, 
are  indeed  an  incourageing,  and  gratefull  reward,  for  his  Labour- 
ious  and  hazardous  exertions  in  the  publick  Service;  whilst  the 
rising  Generation,  upon  whom  the  hopes  and  expectations  of  all 
America  is  fixed,  for  their  Security,  and  Defence  are  zealous,  and 
sincere,  with  their  profferd  Lives,  and  fortunes,  Their  Fathers 

1 Nicolas  Frederic  de  Steiguer  (1729-1799). 


1799] 


TV arren- Adams  Letters 


34i 


may  be  permitted  to  repose;  having  performed  their  Routine  of 
active  Duty,  and  spend  the  remnant  of  their  Days,  in  devoute 
suplications  for  the  success  of  their  offspring. 

The  president  directs  me  to  reciprocate  the  Kind  wishes  of  his 
Friend  Genii.  Warren,  and  to  assure  him  that  he  retains  a pleasing 
remembrance  of  the  past  they  have  acted  together  in  the  defence 
of  the  Liberties  of  their  common  Country. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  otis  the  Elder  and  junr.  are  both  well,  were  with  us 
last  evening.  I most  ardently  long  for  a visit  to  Quincy,  the 
Green  fields,  and  shady  Groves  would  be  a pleasing  contrast  to 
the  Brick  Walls  and  crouded  streets  of  Philadelphia,  particularly 
so,  if  I could  shut  out  all  the  political  clouds  which  darken  our 
horizon 

With  a kind  remembrance  to  every  Branch  of  your  Family 
particularly  the  Little  Marcia  I am,  my  dear  Madam,  your 
Friend  and  Humble  Servant, 

Abigail  Adams 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  October  5,  1799 

As  I have  an  opportunity  by  the  Lieut  Govenour  I send  you  a 
late  publication  by  the  Abbe  Barruel,1  which  will  remove  I pre- 
sume all  doubts  from  your  mind,  respecting  the  existance  of  such 
a person  as  wishaupt :2  when  you  have  read  the  Books,  you  will 
oblige  me  by  returning  them  to  Judge  Cranch’s.  the  Abbe  was  the 
writer  of  the  History  of  the  French  Clergy,  you  will  perceive  that 
he  is  a Bigoted  Catholick,  but  a man  of  science,  and  great  indus- 
tery,  the  system  which  he  discloses  freezes  one  with  horror,  it  was 
reserved  for  wishaupt  to  put  in  practise,  the  principles  of  Voltair, 
and  the  whole  junto  of  French  phylosophers,  aided  by  Frederic 
the  Great  as  he  is  call’d. 

1 Augustin  de  Barruel  (1741-1820),  whose  Memoires  sur  le  Jacobinism  appeared  in 
1797  and  was  translated  into  English  and  published  in  London  in  1797-98. 

2 Adam  Weishaupt  (1748-1830),  founder  of  the  Order  of  the  Illuminati. 


342 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


[1803 


you  will  be  so  good  as  to  present  my  Respects  to  the  Genii,  and 
to  believe  me  at  all  Times  your  truly  affectionate  friend, 

Abigail  Adams 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  Janry.  16th,  1803 

My  Dear  Madam,  — It  was  with  much  pleasure  I recognized 
the  Hand  writing  of  an  old  Friend,  tho  only  in  the  signature  of  her 
name,  it  recall’d  to  mind  those  days  of  pleasureable  intercourse, 
“when  thought  met  thought,”  and  a happy  union  of  sentiment 
endeard  our  Friendship,  which  neither  time,  or  distance  has 
effaced  from  my  Bosom.  I have  sympathized  with  you,  in  sick- 
ness and  in  sorrow,  much  oftner  than  my  pen  has  detailed  it  to 
you.  I too  have  tasted  of  the  bitter  cup  of  affliction  — and  one 
is  not,  cut  off  in  the  Meridian  of  Life. 

I was  happy  that  my  son  had  an  opportunity  of  paying  his 
respects  to  the  ancient  Friends  of  his  parents.  We  should  be 
equally  glad  to  see  your  sons  whenever  they  pass  this  way.  his 
visit  to  plimouth  was  necessarily  short,  or  he  would  have  spent 
more  time  with  you.  You  observe  that  you  have  not  seen  any 
effect  of  my  pen  for  a long  time;  Indeed,  my  Dear  Madam,  I 
have  avoided  writing  for  these  two  years  past  a single  Letter, 
except  to  my  Sister,  and  Children.  The  sacred  Deposit  of  private 
confidence  has  been  betrayed,  and  the  bonds  of  Friendly  inter- 
course snapt  asunder  to  serve  the  most  malicious  purposes:  even 
a jocular  expression,  has  been  made  to  wear  the  garb  of  sober 
reality:  the  most  innocent  expressions  have  been  twisted,  mangled 
and  tortured  into  meanings  wholly  foreign  to  the  sentiments  of  the 
writer.  I have  been  ready  to  exclaim  with  the  poet,  “What  sin 
unknown  dipt  you  in  Ink?” 

There  now  lies  before  me  an  Aegis  of  the  present  year;  in  which 
is  draged  to  light  the  intercepted  Letter,1  said  to  have  been 
written  to  your  worthy  Husband,  in  the  year  1775,  and  publishd 
in  an  English  Magazine.  The  design  of  the  publisher  appears 

I See  Vol.  1,  88,  supra.  The  National  Aigis  was  published  at  Worcester. 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


343 


1803] 


from  the  introduction  of  the  Letter,  to  make  it  believed,  that  the 
person  alluded  to  as  a pidling  Genius,  was  Genii.  Washington,  and 
that  the  supposed  writer,  was  engaged  in  a plot  to  get  him  re- 
moved from  the  command  of  the  Army,  that  he  possest  a san- 
guinary revengefull  temper,  and  was  desirious  of  punishment 
without  mercy:  without  adverting  to  the  period  when  the  Letter 
was  written  the  state  of  the  Country  at  that  time,  before  the 
declaration  of  Independance  had  sit  it  free  from  the  shackles  and 
chains  which  were  prepared  for  it,  and  when  we  were  hazarding 
an  attempt  to  form  a Government  for  ourselves,  it  was  natural 
for  the  Letter  writer  to  inquire:  will  your  judges  be  Bold?  will 
they  feel  firm?  will  they  dare  to  execute  the  Laws  under  their 
present  circumstances?  with  their  Capitol  in  the  possession  of  a 
powerfull  enemy,  and  many  of  their  near  and  dear  Friends  shut 
up  within  it,  prisoners  to  them.  The  old  Actors  are  gone  off  the 
Stage,  few  remain  who  remember  the  perils  and  dangers  to  which 
we  were  then  exposed,  and  fewer  still  who  are  willing  to  do  Justice 
to  those  who  hazarded  their  lives  and  fortunes,  for  to  secure  to 
them  the  blessings  which  they  now  possess,  and  upon  which  they 
riot  and  scoff,  little  regard  is  paid  to  the  prohibition,  thou  shalt 
not  bear  false  witness,  or  to  that  system  of  Benevolence  which 
teaches  us  to  Love  one  an  other:  and  which  I trust,  we  my  dear 
Madam  shall  never  lose  sight  of,  however  reviled  and  despight- 
fully  used. 

Your  Friends  tho  not  exempt  from  the  infirmities  of  age,  are  in 
the  enjoyment  of  many  blessings,  amongst  which  is  a comfortable 
portion  of  Health,  and  rural  felicity,  we  enjoy  the  present  with 
gratitude,  and  look  forward  to  brighter  prospects  and  more  dur- 
able happiness  in  a future  state  of  existance,  where  we  hope  to 
meet  and  rejoice  with  those  whom  we  have  loved,  and  revered 
upon  Earth. 

as  to  the  little  pecuniary  matter  between  us,  which  but  for 
your  reminding  me  of,  would  never  have  been  recollected  by  me, 
I know  not  where  the  papers  are.  I have  not  seen  them  or  thought 
of  them  for  many  years:  I have  not  any  thing  upon  Book  and  the 
amount  can  be  but  a triffel,  and  I beg  you  not  to  give  yourself  any 
further  concern  about  it,  as  I have  not  any  demand  upon  you,  but 


344 


JV arren  -Adams  Letters  [1803 


a continuence  of  that  Friendship  and  regard,  commenced  in  early 
Life,  and  never  designedly  forfeited,  by  your  Friend, 

Abigail  Adams 

Both  Mr.  Adams  and  your  Friend  unite  our  best  wishes  for  the 
Health  and  happiness  of  Genii.  Warren  and  yourself  and  Family. 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  August  28th,  1803 

Sir,  — The  painful  tidings  I have  this  afternoon  transiently 
heard  relative  to  the  health  of  my  long  beloved  friend,  Mrs. 
Adams,  induce  me  to  trouble  you  with  a line  to  enquire  what  is 
her  present  situation,  of  which  you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  inform  me  by 
the  return  of  the  post.  I pray  that  she  may  not  be  in  so  hazardous 
a state  as  is  reported,  but  that  her  useful  life  may  be  protracted. 

You  will  mention  me  to  her  with  my  best  affection  — affection 
which  has  not  diminished  with  time,  and  with  esteem  and  friend- 
ship reciprocated  through  the  Varieties  of  life,  which  I hope  will  be 
continued  in  a more  perfect  state,  whichever  of  us  first  changes  her 
existence.  With  much  respect,  I am,  Sir,  your  Obedt.  Hble.  Servt.1 

Mercy  Warren 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  August  30th,  1803 

Dear  Madam,  — I received,  with  much  Pleasure,  late,  the  last 
Evening  your  kind  Letter  of  the  28th  of  the  month,  and  should 
have  answered  it  sooner,  if  it  had  come  earlier  to  my  hand 
We  have  been  in  great  affliction  in  this  Family  for  more  than 
three  months,  on  Account  of  the  dangerous  illness  of  your  Friend 
my  Companion,  on  whose  preservation  all  my  hopes  of  Comfort 
in  this  World,  seem  to  be  suspended.  An  Unfortunate  Fall,  first 
threw  her  into  a fever,  a return  of  that  obstinate  Intermittent, 

1 The  body  of  the  letter  is  by  another  hand. 


JV arren  - Adams  Letters 


345 


1803] 


which  has  distressed  her  at  times  for  so  many  Years,  and  brought 
again  that  chronic  Diarrhea,  which  a few  years  ago  threatened  her 
Life  for  a long  time.  This  was  followed  by  a Carbuncle,  which  is 
still  in  Operation.  She  has  suffered,  through  the  whole  extream 
pains,  and  has  been  reduced  so  low,  that  it  has  often  seemed  im- 
possible to  support  her  Strength  in  a degree  sufficient  to  sustain  her. 

She  desires  me  to  present  you  her  best  Thanks  for  your  kind 
Enquiries  and  friendly  Sentiment,  and  Authorises  me  to  say  that 
she  thinks  herself  better  this  morning  than  she  has  been  for  many 
days  past,  having  rested  more  quietly  than  she  has  done  for  a 
long  time. 

Although  her  own  opinion  has  been  that  she  should  not  survive 
this  Disorder,  she  has  been  in  a very  happy  State  of  Mind,  calmly 
resigned  to  her  Destiny  and  the  Will  of  the  Supream  Ruler. 

The  Day  is  far  spent  with  Us  all.  It  can  not  be  long  before  We 
must  exchange  this  Theatre  for  some  other.  I hope  it  will  be  one,  in 
which  there  are  no  Politicks.  With  great  Esteem  and  regard  to  you 
and  Mr.  Warren,  I am,  Madam  your  Friend  and  humble  Servant, 

John  Adams 


Thomas  Jefferson  to  Mercy  Warren 

Th:  Jefferson  presents  his  compliments  to  Mrs.  Warren  and 
returns  her  the  paper  she  had  been  pleased  to  inclose  to  him  with 
his  own  subscription  and  that  of  the  heads  of  departments  except 
General  Dearborne,  who  had  signed  another  paper.1  he  learns 
with  great  satisfaction  that  Mrs.  Warren’s  attention  has  been  so 
long  turned  to  the  events  which  have  been  passing,  the  last 
thirty  years  will  furnish  a more  instructive  lesson  to  mankind 
than  any  equal  period  known  in  history,  he  has  no  doubt  the  work 
she  has  prepared  will  be  equally  useful  to  our  country  and  honour- 
able to  herself,  he  prays  her  to  offer  his  respects  to  General 
Warren  and  to  accept  herself  his  salutations  and  assurances  of 
high  consideration. 

Washington,  Feb.  8,  1805. 

1 A subscription  paper  for  her  History. 


346  JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1805 


Mrs.  Judith  Sargent  Murray  to  Mercy  Warren 

Boston,  Franklin  Place,  June  ist,  1805 

Respected  Madam,  — It  was  with  pride,  and  pleasure,  that  I 
received  your  Prospectus  — pride,  that  my  name  was  still  found 
written  in  the  volume  of  your  memory,  and  pleasure,  that  you 
had  at  length  determined  to  endow  the  world  with  a production  it 
has  long  wished  to  see  issue  from  the  press,  upon  which  antici- 
pation delights  to  dwell,  and  which  is  considered  as  a fund  in  re- 
serve, containing  historical  facts,  biographical  information,  moral 
truths,  and  elevated  sentiments,  cloathed  in  habiliments,  whose 
substantial  texture  are  evincive  of  strong,  and  abundant  resources, 
inwove  with  all  the  brilliant,  and  variegated  powers  of  fancy,  and 
receiving  their  beautiful  finishing,  and  last  gloss,  from  the  fashion- 
ing hand  of  elegance  and  taste.  May  your  volumes  obtain  the 
celebrity  they  will  no  doubt  merit,  and  may  the  publication  look 
with  a benign  aspect  upon  the  evening  of  your  useful,  and  digni- 
fied career. 

I have  been  induced  to  delay  returning  the  subscription  paper, 
by  a hope  of  augmenting  my  list  of  suffrages,  but  I have  been 
disappointed.  I persuade  myself,  it  is  not  necessary  to  observe, 
that  I have  not  been  negligent  in  exhibiting  your  proposals  but, 
in  almost  every  instance,  apologies  have  been  the  only  result  of 
my  solicitations.  The  Life  of  Washington,1  it  is  said,  forestals,  if 
not  wholly  precludes,  the  utility  of  this  history;  and,  very  many 
urge  the  political  principles  attributed  to  the  otherwise  admired 
writer,  as  a reason  for  withholding  their  signatures.  Genius 
revolts  from  an  idea  so  contracted;  but  Genius  is  not  possessed 
by  the  multitude,  and  Mrs.  Warren  must  be  apprized,  that,  in 
this  Commercial  Country,  a taste  for  Literature  has  not  yet  ob- 
tained the  ascendency. 

I have  the  honour  to  reciprocate  those  sentiments  of  amity, 
which  constitute  the  conclusion  of  your  letter,  and  I am,  with 
affectionate  admiration,  etc.,  etc.,  Madam,  your  most  obedient 

J.  Sargent  Murray 

1 By  John  Marshall.  See  Beveridge,  Life  of  John  Marshall,  hi.  223. 


1805  ] JVarren -Adams  Letters 


347 


John  Dickinson  to  Mercy  Warren 

My  esteemed  Friend,  — Thy  Letter  with  its  Inclosure  came 
to  my  Hands  Yesterday,  for  which  I return  many  Thanks. 

Thy  Approbation  I consider  as  a real  Honor,  and  it  is  greatly 
endeared  to  Me,  by  coming  from  a Sister  of  my  very  deserving 
and  highly  valued  Friend  James  Otis. 

Our  Acquaintance  with  one  another  was  formed  at  the  first 
Congress  held  at  New  York,  in  the  Year  1765;  and  it  soon  grew 
into  Friendship. 

At  this  distant  Period  I have  a pleasing  Recollection  of  his 
Candor,  Spirit,  Patriotism  and  Philanthropy.  [With  a lonjger 
continued  Existence  on  this  Earth  [than  was]  allotted  to  him,  I 
have  endeavoured,  as  well  as  I could,  to  aid  the  Cause  in  which 
his  Heart  was  engaged,  by  asserting  and  maintaining  the  Liberties, 
for  which  he  would  have  been  willing  to  share  in  all  the  Distresses 
of  our  Revolution,  and,  if  necessary,  to  lay  down  his  Life. 

It  soothes  my  Mind,  to  hear  this  pure  Testimony  to  departed 
worth. 

May  Divine  Goodness  graciously  bestow  on  his  Relations,  a 
plentiful  portion  of  Consolations. 

Thy  generous  Exertions  to  inform  thy  fellow  Citizens,  and  to 
present  thy  Country  before  the  World  in  a justly  favorable  Light, 
will  be,  I firmly  believe,  attended  with  the  desired  Success.  With 
every  respectful  Consideration  I am  thy  Sincere  Friend, 

John  Dickinson 

Wilmington  the  25th  of  the  9th  Month  1805. 


Thomas  Jefferson  to  Mercy  Warren 

Th:  Jefferson  presents  his  respectful  compliments  to  Mrs. 
Warren  and  his  thanks  for  the  copy  of  her  History  of  the  Ameri- 
can revolution  which  he  received  yesterday.1  his  emploiments 
have  not  yet  permitted  him  to  enter  on  it’s  reading;  but  he 

1 A copy  of  the  History  was  in  the  Jefferson  Library  when  purchased  for  the  Library 
of  Congress. 


3+8 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1806 


anticipates  much  pleasure  from  the  perusal  of  a work  which 
taking  truth,  both  of  fact  and  principle,  for  it’s  general  guide, 
will  furnish  in  addition  original  matter  of  value,  not  before  given 
to  the  public. 

He  prays  Mrs.  Warren  and  Genl.  Warren  to  accept  his  friendly 
salutations  and  assurances  of  high  respect  and  esteem. 

Washington,  Apr.  26,  ’06. 


John  Dickinson  to  Mercy  Warren 

My  greatly  esteemed  Friend,  — In  thy  Intercourse  with  the 
World  thou  must  have  observed,  how  much  Pleasure  may  be 
derived  from  a Communion  of  Minds  without  personal  Acquaint- 
ance: That  Pleasure  I perceive  to  be  strongly  communicated  by 
thy  Correspondence. 

I am  gratefully  sensible  of  thy  kind  Enquiries  about  my  Health. 
Excepting  a pain  in  the  small  of  my  Back  at  times  severe,  it  is  good, 
considering  my  Age,  having  entered  upon  my  seventy  fifth  Year  on 
the  thirteenth  Day  of  last  Month.  I see,  and  hear,  and  walk,  and 
ride,  as  well  as  I did  in  my  Youth.  Such  an  old  Age  could  hardly 
be  expected  by  a Man  born  in  the  Middle  part  of  Maryland. 

These  and  several  other  Circumstances,  relating  to  private 
Condition  are  gratifying:  But  — When  I look  at  the  State  of  the 
world,  I see  Cause,  according  to  the  apostolic  Language,  to  be 
“troubled  on  every  Side,  and  perplexed;  but  not  despairing.” 

Great  Changes  have  taken  place;  and  as  great,  I presume,  will 
succeed.  Human  Affairs  are  now  flowing  along  in  a vast  Torrent. 
It  will  not  continue.  It  does  not  appear  to  Me  likely,  that  any  of 
the  Actors  in  the  present  Tragedies  will  establish  the  Jews  in  the 
Land  of  Canaan. 

The  best  Commentators  I have  met  with,  when  speaking  only 
of  their  general  Conversion,  represent  that  Event  as  two  or  three 
Centuries  remote. 

That  Nation  is  indeed,  to  use  thy  Expression,  “a  standing 
Miracle,”  and  most  certainly  and  wonderfully  will  be  instru- 
mental in  accomplishing  the  divine  purposes. 


1 806  ] JV arren  - Adams  L etters  349 


Connected  with  their  general  Conversion  will  be  the  mighty 
Revolution  in  papal  Christendom,  and  the  fall  of  the  Turkish 
Empire. 

These  Things  seem  to  be  rapidly  approaching;  yet,  they  are  not 
very  near,  unless  some  Errors  have  been  committed  by  Commen- 
tators in  their  Calculations. 

Tho  I do  not  believe  the  present  state  of  France  to  be  particu- 
larly designated  in  any  Prophesy,  yet  I doubt  not,  but  her  Con- 
duct will  under  providential  superintendence,  be  made  to  promote 
beneficent  Plans  of  Infinite  Wisdom. 

When  I recollect,  how  amazingly  the  Roman  Conquest  facili- 
tated the  propagation  of  the  Religion  of  our  Blessed  Saviour,  I 
cannot  forbear  applying  to  him  the  Expressions  used  by  the  poet 
with  an  other  Meaning  — 

For  him  the  self-devoted  Decii  dyed, 

The  Scipios  conquered,  and  the  Fabii  fell. 

Again  — When  that  Empire  having  attained  its  utmost  Gran- 
deur, as  all  things  human  how  ever  magnificent  tend  to  Decay, 
was  dissolving,  to  how  many  barbarous  Nations  “walking  in 
Darkness,”  did  its  expiring  Agonies  convey  the  Light  of  the 
Gospel! 

Coming  nearer  to  our  own  Days  we  may  observe,  that  when 
the  Christian  Verity  was  deeply  corrupted,  the  Abomination  of 
the  Court  of  Rome  and  the  inordinate  passions  of  Princes,  became 
subservient  to  a wholesome  Reformation. 

In  this  Retrospection  it  is  found,  first,  that  the  Effects  produced, 
were  directly  contrary  to  the  Intentions  of  the  Agents:  and  sec- 
ondly, that  the  Agents  were  generally  bad  Men. 

Such  Instances  of  over-ruling  Government,  seem  to  hold  for 
Encouragement  in  these  convulsive  seasons.  “The  Lord  reigneth, 
let  the  Earth  rejoice.” 

Limited  as  our  Capacities  are,  We  are  favored  so  far  as  to  per- 
ceive, that  the  Sovereign  of  the  Universe  can  deduce  Good  out  of 
Evil;  and  that  he  is  inclined  so  to  do:  But  our  sentiments  on  this 
Head  must  be  mingled  with  pure  Humility,  for  “who  hath  known 
the  Mind  of  the  Lord?  or,  who  hath  been  his  Councellor?” 


35° 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  [1807 


That  every  happiness  may  attend  the  Sister  of  the  Man  I loved, 
herself  worthy  to  be  loved,  is  the  Prayer  of  thy  sincere  Friend 

John  Dickinson 

Wilmington,  the  22d  of  the  12  Month,  1806. 

I received  from  Matthew  Carey  of  Philadelphia  on  the  4th  of 
the  last  ninth  Month,  the  two  setts  of  thy  valuable  History  for 
which  I had  subscribed,  and  paid  him  for  them  twelve  Dollars. 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  4 Feb.,  1807 

Madam,  — I cannot  avoid  writing  to  express  the  pleasure  I 
derived  from  reading  your  history  of  the  revolution.  It  is  a well 
digested  and  polished  narrative,  and  gave  great  satisfaction.  But 
I am  afraid  you  will  not  believe  my  praise  unless  qualified  with 
some  remarks  to  shew  that  I gave  it  a critical  reading.  To  say 
that  we  are  pleased  with  a book,  that  we  have  read  so  carelessly, 
as  hardly  to  know  what  is  in  it,  is  hardly  giving  any  praise  at  all. 
It  is  only  saying  that  we  met  with  nothing  offensive,  and  that  is 
hardly  to  be  deemed  praise.  I must  therefore  give  you  proof  that 
I have  read  it. 

In  Vol  1.  It  is  said  that  Mr.  Bernard  retired  with  a title  and  a 
pension  of  a thousand  pounds  sterling  a year.  Of  the  pension  I 
have  nothing  to  remark,  but  the  proof  of  royal  favor  in  granting 
him  a title  was  a considerable  time  before  he  left  the  government. 
I have  heard  Mr.  Otis  fill  up  a Chasm  in  his  public  speech,  with 
Mr.  Bernard’s  titles  at  full  length  “His  excellency  Sir  Francis 
Bernard  of  Nettleham,  Baronet,  Governor  and  Commander  in 
chief  of  his  Majesty’s  province  of  the  Massachusetts  in  New 
England,  and  vice  Admiral  of  the  same.”  To  a man  of  the  Gov- 
ernor’s disposition,  pleased  with  those  little  exterior  circumstances, 
the  ridicule  was  well  applied  and  the  hearers  generally  understood 
it.1 

1 In  April,  1769,  Bernard  was  created  a baronet  as  of  Nettleham  in  the  county  of 
Lincoln. 


1807]  TV arren- Adams  Letters  351 


In  the  last  Volume  I suspect  an  anachronism,  as  respecting 
one  of  the  attacks  on  the  island  of  Jersey.  The  first  expedition 
was  some  time  in  the  summer,  I believe  before  Cornwallis  had  got 
into  difficulty  in  Virginia.  Yet  the  Commodore  is  charged  with 
blame  in  not  hastening  to  America  where  he  might  be  wanted. 
I do  not  know  how  it  would  stand  on  a strict  comparison  of  dates. 
This  was  merely  the  impression  made  on  me  in  reading. 

There  are  several  passages  in  the  course  of  the  work  which 
mark  the  goodness  of  the  Author’s  mind,  and  probably  if  her 
system  of  kind  treatment  could  be  applied  to  a state  of  war,  the 
condition  of  mankind  would  be  ameliorated.  But  I have  serious 
doubts  whether  the  maxims  of  friendly  intercourse  can  be  applied 
to  such  a state.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  nature  of  war  requires 
the  parties  to  do  all  the  hurt  they  can.  The  mildest,  that  has  been 
supposed  to  [be]  a true  maxim,  is  that  the  conquerors  succeede  to 
all  the  rights  of  government,  possessed  by  their  immediate  pre- 
decessors. In  some  cases  this  may  be  true,  where  an  extensive 
country  is  obliged  to  submit,  the  Victor  wants  the  revenue,  and 
of  course  must  preserve  things  as  free  from  change  as  possible, 
not  indeed  from  any  sense  of  duty  to  the  vanquished,  but  from  a 
regard  to  his  own  interest.  This  does  not  go  so  far  as  to  justify  a 
state  of  war,  but  merely  to  define  the  rights  resulting  from  that 
state.  War  is  a state  that  I believe  is  always  to  be  deprecated, 
when  it  does  not  arise  from  inevitable  necessity.  But  when  one 
nation,  depending  on  its  strength  and  not  on  the  justice  of  its 
cause,  makes  war  upon  another,  the  necessity  of  war  is  inevitable 
on  the  part  of  the  invaded  State.  The  two  nations  are  to  be  con- 
sidered as  two  individuals  in  a state  of  nature.  The  invader  will 
do  all  he  can  to  enforce  submission  or  to  destroy  his  antagonist; 
the  invaded  has  acquired  a right  to  do  all  he  can  to  repel  or  even 
to  destroy  the  invader.  In  the  quarrel  of  two  individuals,  it  ends 
with  the  life  of  one  of  them,  when  carried  to  the  utmost  length  of 
war.  In  such  a case  between  nations  it  ends  with  the  submission 
or  conquest  of  one  of  the  parties.  This  is  the  political  death  of  one 
of  the  nations.  Private  citizens  are  only  to  be  considered  as 
members  of  the  body  politic,  and  in  a dispute  between  two  govern- 
ments, their  subjects  immediately  are  exposed  to  annoyance,  as 


352 


JV arren  -Adams  Letters 


[1807 


members  of  the  same  body  with  the  government.  It  will  not  do 
for  the  citizen  to  say  because  I am  not  concerned  in  directing 
national  affairs  I am  in  no  degree  answerable  for  the  public  pro- 
ceedings. All  being  members  of  the  same  body,  and  joined  in  the 
same  social  compact,  must  stand  or  fall  together.  A Government 
making  war  without  its  subjects  is  as  bad  a supposition  as  a man’s 
head  quarrelling  with  a neighbor  without  the  support  of  hands 
or  feet. 

As  to  the  right  of  retaliation  for  all  unnecessary  cruelty  it  ap- 
pears to  me  as  strict  a right  as  that  of  defence  in  any  other  form. 
No  principles  of  morals  oblige  us  to  take  all  the  disadvantage  of 
our  principles,  and  leave  all  the  advantage  of  them  to  the  adver- 
sary. When  the  enemy  admits  a good  principle  in  common  with 
us,  we  are  bound  to  allow  him  as  much  benefit  from  it,  as  we  derive 
from  it  ourselves.  But  if  the  enemy  denies  or  resists  the  rule  of 
good  conduct,  he  ceases  to  be  a Christian,  and  becomes  in  our  view 
an  heathen  and  a subject  of  coercion.  Don’t  set  me  down  as  an 
heretic,  tho’  this  is  my  construction  of  the  good  book. 

My  respects  to  the  General.  Mrs.  Hilliard  joins  in  good  wishes 
to  you  and  your  family.  I am,  Madam,  with  much  respect  Your 
obedient  Servant 

James  Winthrop 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  March  9th,  1807 

My  Dear  Mrs.  Warren, — To  your  kind  and  friendly  Letter 
I fully  designed  an  immediate  replie,  but  a severe  attack  of  a 
Rheumatick  complaint  in  my  Head  has  confined  me  to  my 
Chamber  for  several  weeks  and  renderd  me  unable  to  hold  a pen. 
tho  recovering  from  it,  my  head  still  feels  craked:  shatterd  I am 
sure  it  is.  you  will  therefore  pardon  any  inaccuracy  I may  commit, 
my  Health  which  you  so  kindly  inquire  after,  has  been  better  for 
two  years  past,  than  for  many  of  those  which  preceeded  them.  I 
am  frequently  reminded  that  here  I have  no  abiding  place.  I 
bend  to  the  blast,  it  passes  over  for  the  present  and  I rise  again. 


1807]  W arren  -Adams  Letters 


353 


your  Letter,  my  dear  Madam,  written  so  much  in  the  stile  of 
Mrs.  Warren’s  ancient  Friendship,  renewed  all  those  sensations 
which  formerly  gave  me  pleasure,  and  from  which  I have  derived 
sincere  and  durable  gratification,  and  I anticipate  a still  closer  and 
more  cordial  union  in  the  world  of  spirits  to  which  we  are  hasten- 
ing, when  these  earthly  tabernacles  shall  be  moulderd  into  Dust. 

If  we  were  to  count  our  years  by  the  revolutions  we  have  wit- 
nessed, we  might  number  them  with  the  Antediluvians,  so  rapid 
have  been  the  changes:  that  the  mind  tho  fleet  in  its  progress,  has 
been  outstripped  by  them,  and  we  are  left  like  statues  gaping  at 
what  we  can  neither  fathom,  or  comprehend. 

you  inquire  what  does  mr.  Adams  think  of  Napolean?  If  you 
had  asked  Mrs.  Adams,  she  would  have  replied  to  you  in  the 
words  of  Pope, 

If  plagues  and  earthquakes  brake  not  heavens  design 
Why  then  a Borgia  or  a Napoline? 

I am  Authorized  to  replie  to  your  question,  What  does  mr. 
Adams  think  Napoleon  was  made  for?  “My  answer  shall  be  as 
prompt  and  frank  as  her  question.  Napoleon’s  Maker  alone  can 
tell  all  he  was  made  for.  in  general  Napoleon  was,  I will  not 
say  made,  but  permitted  for  a cat-o’nine-tails,  to  inflict  ten  thou- 
sand lashes  upon  the  back  of  Europe  as  divine  vengeance  for  the 
Atheism,  Infidelity,  Fornications,  Adulteries,  Incests,  and 
Sodomies,  as  well  as  Briberies,  Robberies,  Murders,  Thefts, 
Intrigues,  and  fraudelent  speculations  of  her  inhabitants,  and  if 
we  are  far  enough  advanced  in  the  career,  and  certainly  we  have 
progressd  very  rapidly,  to  whip  us  for  the  same  crimes,  and  after 
he  has  answerd  the  end  he  was  made,  or  permitted  for,  to  be 
thrown  into  the  fire,  now  I think  I have  meritted  the  answer  from 
Mrs.  Warren  which  she  has  promised  me  to  the  Question,  what 
was  Napoleon  made  for?” 

May  I ask  Mrs.  Warren  in  my  turn,  what  was  Col.  Burr  made 
for?  and  what  can  you  make  of  him  or  his  projects?  enveloped 
in  as  many  Mystery  as  Mrs.  Ratcliff’s  castle  of  udolphus?  how  he 
mounted  to  power  we  know,  and  a faithfull  historic  page  ought 
to  record,  and  after  he  had  answered  the  end  for  which  he  was 


354 


JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1807 


permitted,  we  know  how  he  fell,  what  is  yet  left  for  him  to  per- 
form, time  must  unveil. 

I thank  you,  my  Dear  Madam,  for  your  inquiries  after  my 
Daughter,  she  was  well  a few  days  since,  she  had  Letters  from 
her  son  dated  in  Novbr.  he  was  then  at  Trinidad  where  he 
expected  to  pass  the  winter,  a don  Quixot  expedition  1 which 
could  never  have  met  with  his  Grandfathers  or  my  assent  or 
consent,  if  it  had  been  known  to  us  before  he  had  saild.  it  has 
been  a source  of  much  anxiety  to  us,  and  to  his  Mother. 

I cannot  close  this  Letter,  without  droping  a sympathizing  tear 
with  you  over  the  remains  of  your  belovd  Neice,  and  my  valued 
Friend.2  She  was  from  her  youth  all  that  was  amiable  Lovely  and 
good,  the  youthful  companion  of  my  daughter,  I always  saw  her 
with  pleasure,  and  parted  from  her  with  regret.  She  was  endeard 
to  me  by  the  misfortunes  of  her  youth  which  from  her  strong 
sensibility  and  dutifull  affection,  I was  frequently  made  the 
depositary  of  her  sorrow  and  tears.  She  always  exprest  for  me  a 
sincere  Regard,  when  I learnt  her  new  engagement,  knowing  the 
delicate  state  of  her  Health,  I feard  she  might  find  it  too  arduous 
for  her,  but  her  companion  she  had  long  known,  esteemd  and 
valued  as  his  many  virtues  deserved. 

Heaven  spared  her  to  act  well  the  Mothers  part  towards  her 
sons,  to  whom  she  devoted  herself  and  having  reared  them  to 
Manhood,  for  wise  ends  which  we  cannot  comprehend,  took  her 
out  of  Life,  what  can  we  say,  but  that  the  ways  of  Heaven  are 
dark  and  intricate. 

I pray  you  to  present  Mr.  Adams’s  and  my  regards  to  Genii, 
Warren,  we  both  of  us  rejoice  to  hear  that  he  enjoys  so  much 
health  at  his  advanced  period  of  Life,  we  shall  always  be  happy  to 
hear  of  the  welfare  of  Friends  whom  we  have  loved  from  our  early 
years  and  with  whom  we  have  past  many,  very  many  social  hours 
of  pleasing  converse,  in  unity  of  Bond  and  Spirit,  with  Sincere 
Regard  I subscribe  your  Friend 

Abigail  Adams 

1 That  of  Francisco  Miranda. 

2 MaryOtis,  widow  of  Benjamin  Lincoln,  Jr.,  andwifeof  Rev.  Henry  Ware  of  Cambridge. 
She  died  February  17,  1807. 


1807]  Warren -Adams  Letters 


355 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge  ii  March,  1807 

Madam,  — Your  letter  of  4th  Feb.  I was  favored  with,  and  I 
need  not  add  gratified  by  receiving  on  the  tenth  of  that  month. 
It  was  written  at  the  same  time  with  mine  and  gave  me  additional 
pleasure  when  I recollected  that  we  thought  of  writing  at  once. 

There  was  no  doubt  in  my  mind,  that  you  had  sufficient  evidence 
to  justify  the  statement  made  in  your  history  respecting  Mr. 
Bernard’s  civil  promotion.  The  Remembrancer  does  not  contradict 
my  idea,  that  he  was  made  a baronet  before  he  quitted  his  govern- 
ment. This  is  an  high  and  the  only  hereditary  order  of  knighthood. 
The  Remembrancer  states  that  after  his  leaving  America  he  was 
still  further  promoted  to  the  title  of  Baron  Nettleham.  This  was 
ennobling  him.  I had  never,  till  the  receipt  of  your  valuable  letter, 
any  knowledge  of  this  last  promotion,  and  do  now  rather  suspect 
that  the  compilers  of  the  Remembrancer,  tho’  in  general  they  may 
be  correct,  have  in  this  instance  confounded  the  two  things  and 
that  Mr.  B.  remained  Sir  Francis  till  his  death,  without  acquiring 
the  degree  of  My  Lord.  At  any  rate  an  historian  in  following  the 
documents,  is  intitled  to  the  respect  of  the  reader,  and  is  exempted 
from  any  charge  of  inattention  or  carelessness.  But  when  a work 
so  extensive  as  yours  discovers  such  long  continued  attention  in 
arranging  multiplied  materials  into  an  elegant  and  well  formed 
narrative,  there  is  not  only  a freedom  from  blame,  but  a great 
degree  of  praise  attached  to  the  author.  The  Major,  I presume, 
told  you  of  the  other  part  of  my  remark,  made  to  him  at  the 
same  conversation,  “that  if  I was  about  to  review  the  book,  for 
the  public  eye,  such  a minute  criticism  I should  be  ashamed  to 
insert.” 

Please  to  present  my  respects  to  the  General  and  your  young 
friends,  whom  I also  claim  as  belonging  to  my  list. 

Accept  my  sincere  condolance  on  the  death  of  Mrs.  Ware.  It  is 
a melancholy  proof  that  even  the  best  principles  when  carried  to 
excess  terminate  in  evil.  Nobody  doubts  her  being  a woman  whose 
conduct  was  regulated  by  piety  and  good  conscience;  yet  perhaps 
a fear  that  she  had  not  come  up  to  her  own  standard,  by  occupying 


356 


Warren -Adams  Letters  [1808 


too  much  of  her  attention,  produced  such  a dreadful  subversion  of 
mind.1  I am,  Madam,  very  sincerely  Your  most  obedient  servant 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  3 May , 1808 

Madam,  — A few  days  ago  I received  the  honor  of  your  letter 
of  20th  April,  and  need  not  add,  was  flattered  by  the  sentiments 
of  friendship  contained  [in]  it.  The  pleasure  it  gave  me  by  the 
assurance,  that  all  our  Plymouth  Friends  are  in  health,  was  very 
great,  and  next  in  degree  to  the  enjoyment  of  my  own  health. 
Your  polite  invitation  to  take  a trip  to  Plymouth,  I hope,  will 
take  effect  some  time  in  July.  Our  Courts  will  hold  on  till  the 
latter  part  of  June,  as  they  have  for  two  months  past,  every 
second  week,  and  sometimes  oftener.  They  hardly  leave  me  time 
to  rest  myself  between  them.  From  the  end  of  June  to  the  middle 
of  August,  we  shall  have  a vacation,  and  hope  to  improve  part  of 
it  in  a tour  to  the  old  Colony,  and  to  have  the  honor  of  paying  my 
respects  in  person  to  you  and  the  General.  Not  that  I consider  the 
reason  assigned  in  your  letter  as  the  most  operative;  tho’  generally 
I feel  disposed  to  adopt  your  reasoning,  but  in  this  instance  it 
would  grieve  me  to  have  it  just.  The  reason  implied  in  the  ques- 
tion “Do  you  not  wish  to  see  your  old  friend  General  Warren 
once  more  before  he  is  gathered  to  the  band  of  worthy  patriots 
who  are  swept  off  before  him?”  is,  that  the  time  may  be  short. 
True,  it  may  be  short,  but  I hope  otherwise.  I hope  to  have  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  him  many  times,  and  enjoying  his  conversa- 
tion often,  before  our  separation. 

It  is  to  me  surprizing  that  a political  faction  should  have  been 
able  to  produce  so  great  an  effect  on  the  mind  of  the  community, 
by  their  misrepresentations  of  the  embargo.  The  election  of  Sen- 
ators seems  to  be  so  far  influenced  as  to  deprive  the  republicans  of 

1 The  series  of  letters  exchanged  between  Mrs.  Warren  and  John  Adams  in  July  and 
August,  1807,  on  her  History,  is  printed  in  5 Collections,  iv.  317.  In  the  same  volumes  are 
letters  from  Elbridge  Gerry  to  Mrs.  Warren  on  the  controversy  and  breach  of  intercourse 
to  which  it  led  and  on  the  eventual  reconciliation,  largely  due  to  Gerry’s  tactful  handling. 


1808]  JVarren- Adams  Letters 


357 


their  majority  at  that  board,  and  merely  to  gratify  a few  traders, 
who  depend  on  the  commercial  credit  given  them  by  Great  Britain. 
Those  merchants,  whose  large  capitals  enable  them  to  trade  to  all 
parts  of  the  World,  are  represented  as  acknowledging  the  wisdom 
of  the  embargo.  A few  men,  whose  politics  reach  no  further  than 
their  own  counting  house,  and  their  habitual  course  of  negotiation, 
seem  to  think  the  whole  world  is  going  to  overset,  because  they 
are  for  a little  while  interrupted.  A very  little  attention  would 
shew  them  how  to  employ  their  stock  in  a different  mode,  by 
which  the  community  would  be  enriched  and  the  nations  who 
have  interrupted  our  old  modes  of  supply  would  be  punished  by 
the  permanent  loss  of  our  customs.1 

Mrs.  Hilliard  joins  in  respects  to  the  General  and  you,  and  is 
much  gratified  to  find  by  the  friendly  inquiries  you  made  respect- 
ing her  that  she  has  not  slipt  through  your  memory.  Please  to 
present  my  remembrances  to  your  Sons,  who  sometimes  dot  in 
upon  us,  but  will  not  be  prevailed  on  to  make  a visit.  I intend  to 
be  better  in  this  respect  than  they.  I am,  Madam,  with  much 
respect,  Your  most  obedient  Servant, 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  i Octo.,  1808 

Dear  Madam,  — I am  much  gratified  by  a visit  from  your 
eldest  son,  who  is  now  here.  He  did  me  the  honor  of  presenting 
your  letter,  which  contains  a review  of  my  book  consistent  with 
your  habitual  politeness.2  I will  not  teaze  you  with  a long  argu- 
ment on  this  subject,  for  to  be  honest  about  the  matter,  we  all  of 
us  have  our  own  courses  of  reasoning,  and  I cannot  expect  those, 
who  have  been  used  to  a different  theory,  at  once  to  abandon  it  for 

1 This  situation  led  to  the  election  of  James  Lloyd,  Jr.,  and  the  resignation  of  John 
Quincy  Adams  as  United  States  Senator  from  Massachusetts.  See  “The  Recall  of  John 
Quincy  Adams  in  1808,”  Proceedings,  xlv.  354. 

2 This  could  refer  to  his  Attempt  to  translate  the  Prophetic  Part  of  the  Apocalypse  of  St. 
John  into  Familiar  Language,  Boston,  1794,  or  Attempt  to  arrange  in  the  Order  of  Time  those 
Scripture  Prophecies  yet  remaining  to  be  fulfilled,  Cambridge,  1803,  or  his  essay,  about  to  be 
published,  Appendix  to  the  N ew  Testament. 


358 


M^arren  -Adams  Letters  [1808 


the  sake  of  supporting  mine.  I confess  therefore  that  I did  not 
expect  so  many  complimentary  expressions,  where  I did  not  hope 
so  much  for  conviction,  as  to  lay  open  what  I think  a connected 
System.  What  the  clergy  consider  as  a political  statement,  I con- 
sider as  the  application  of  prophecy  to  the  visible  church  compre- 
hending the  whole  body  of  believers.  The  raising  of  the  new  order 
of  things  in  their  favor,  as  is  now  going  on,  I consider  as  the 
Kingdoms  of  the  World  becoming  the  Kingdoms  of  the  Lord, 
and  the  resistance  of  the  Popish  and  British  powers  as  producing 
that  time  of  trouble  of  which  Daniel  speaks  in  the  beginning  of 
his  last  chapter. 

In  Justification  of  this  mode  of  applying  it,  I will  at  present  only 
state,  that  all  the  commentaries  on  the  Revelation,  that  I have 
seen,  begin  with  applying  the  prophecy  to  the  visible  church,  and 
to  human  empires,  until  their  stock  of  history  was  run  out.  Many 
of  the  boldest  figures  of  the  Apocalypse  are  agreed  to  apply  to 
events  that  have  already  taken  place.  The  beginning  of  the  ninth 
chapter  is  agreed  to  shew  the  rise  of  the  Mohometans,  and  that 
of  the  thirteenth  to  relate  in  the  same  manner  to  Popery.  Yet, 
as  if  the  Commentators  were  afraid  to  trust  their  own  principles 
of  construction,  they  have  supposed  both  these  powers  destined  to 
a miraculous  fall.  I have  taken  the  same  principles  and  read  the 
whole  book  by  them,  and  find  them  true  and  the  book  also  intel- 
ligible, consistent  and  true. 

Let  me  ask,  where  would  have  been  the  surprise,  if  the  whole 
matter  had  been  expected,  as  it  has  happened?  Yet  you  will  find 
toward  the  conclusion  of  each  series,  into  which  John  divides  his 
book,  abrupt  warnings  to  be  upon  the  watch.  That  the  book  shall 
remain  obscure  till  toward  the  conclusion,  when  it  shall  become 
plain.  Charge  not  my  opinion  with  vanity,  If  I say  the  book  now 
under  consideration  resolves  the  problem. 

Pardon  my  having  trespassed  so  long  upon  your  patience. 
It  was  not  intended  at  the  setting  out. 

By  Mr.  Warren  I send  for  your  perusal  two  small  volumes  con- 
taining the  poems  of  Sir  William  Jones.1  Knowing  your  taste  for 
fine  writing,  I have  presumed,  that  you  will  incline  to  look  into 

I Poems , consisting  chiefly  of  Translations  from  the  Asiatick  Languages,  1 772. 


i8o8] 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


359 


the  Hindoo  mythology,  and  that  you  [will]  be  pleased  at  finding  his 
elegant  pen  employed  in  giving  that  mythology  an  English  dress. 

Please  to  make  my  respects  to  the  General  and  to  the  Major 
and  his  family.  It  is  not  from  forgetfulness  if  we  do  not  com- 
municate oftener.  I am,  Madam,  with  perfect  respect  Your  most 
obedient  servant 

James  Winthrop 

The  passion  flower  which  I undertook  to  preserve  was  lost.  I 
then  desired  Mrs.  Craigie  to  preserve  one,  and  she  undertook  it 
I have  sent  to  her  this  afternoon  for  it  but  she  has  forgot,  what 
book  she  put  it  in,  but  has  promised  to  look  for  it  and  send  it  here. 
She  was  sorry  for  having  mislaid  it. 


Samuel  Latham  Mitchill  to  Mercy  Warren 

Washington,  Novr.  28,  1808 

Madam,  — As  one  of  the  joint  committee  appointed  by  the  two 
houses  of  congress  to  provide  books  for  their  Library,  I do  myself 
the  pleasure  of  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  history  of  the 
rise,  progress  and  termination  of  the  American  revolution.  By 
some  oversight  of  the  committee,  it  had  happened,  that  your 
excellent  performance  had  not  been  purchased.  It  has  therefore 
arrived  in  good  season  and  is  the  more  acceptable  to  us.  And 
they  who  search  this  collection,  for  the  history  of  their  country, 
will  be  sure  to  find  the  Volumes  of  Mrs.  Warren  on  the  same  shelf, 
with  those  of  Gordon,  Ramsay  and  Marshall. 

Permit  me  to  assure  you  of  my  high  and  sincere  respect. 

Sam.  L.  Mitchill 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  ii  Deer.,  1808 

Madam,  — Tho’  nothing  is  to  be  expected  from  me,  on  the 
melancholy  occasion  of  the  death  of  a friend,1  which  is  not  already 

1 General  Warren  died  at  Plymouth,  November  27,  1808. 


36° 


W arren  -Adams  Letters  [1808 


familiar  to  your  own  mind,  yet  as  novelty  is  not  always  to  be  steered 
for,  but  the  satisfaction  of  comparing  ideas,  and  being  reminded 
by  our  friends  of  the  consolations,  which  we  have  administred 
to  others  in  affliction,  I hope  you  will  not  consider  my  condolence 
as  impertinent.  It  is  impossible  that  the  habitual  exchange  of  good 
Offices  between  you  and  General  Warren,  which  continued  for 
half  a century,  with  unremitted  attention  on  both  parts,  should 
now  be  suspended,  without  your  feeling  an  important  loss  of 
happiness.  Though  we  all  admit  that  the  necessity  of  parting 
with  our  friends  must  at  some  time  or  other  operate,  yet  we  are 
seldom  prepared  to  say,  that  now  is  the  right  time.  But  let  us 
endeavor  to  satisfy  ourselves,  upon  almost  any  supposition,  that  a 
different  time  would  be  better,  and  we  shall  find  so  much  greater 
inconveniences  staring  us  in  the  face,  as  to  oblige  us  to  relinquish 
our  amendment,  and  to  confess  that  Providence  has  contrived 
the  event  better  for  us  than  we  could  for  ourselves  and  that  he 
does  not  willingly  afflict  his  children.  When  we  consider  how  soon 
the  services  of  a valuable  man  are  forgotten,  even  by  those  who 
knew  him  in  his  best  days,  we  can  hardly  form  a wish,  that  a friend 
should  outlive  his  usefulness,  and  should  for  any  length  of  time 
survive  that  energy  of  mind,  which  made  us  respect  him.  This  is 
an  inconvenience  necessarily  attached  to  extreme  old  age.  On 
the  other  hand,  it  is  exceedingly  grievous  to  lose  a friend  in  the 
vigor  of  life,  and  while  there  was  a prospect  of  many  years  useful- 
ness to  others,  and  of  enjoyment  to  himself.  Between  these 
extremes  is  the  case  before  us.  Having  lived  in  times  that  required 
uncommon  exertion,  and  acquitted  himself  with  honor,  having 
without  any  remarkable  decay  of  either  body  or  mind  surpassed 
the  age  which  even  but  few  attain,  he  died  peaceably  in  the  bosom 
of  his  family,  wept  by  them,  and  regretted  by  his  other  friends. 
If  death  can  ever  be  a kindly  visitant,  it  must  I think  be  in  such 
circumstances.  I am  sensible  that  at  the  first  stroke,  feelings  must 
have  their  way,  but  if  we  can  for  a moment  interrupt  grief  by  the 
suggestions  of  reason,  or  the  still  more  consoling  prospects  of 
another  life,  every  succeeding  effort  will  be  better  than  the  former, 
and  the  mind  becomes  tranquillized  under  our  loss.  I know  that  to 
press  these  things  upon  your  well  regulated  mind,  would  not  only 


1809] 


IVarren  - Adams  ‘Letters  3 6 1 


be  impertinence  but  folly  in  me.  You  have  so  often  been  called 
by  the  loss  of  very  valuable  friends  to  fortify  your  mind,  You  are 
so  well  instructed  in  the  doctrines  of  the  bible,  and  in  the  principles 
and  hopes  of  Christianity,  that  while  you  consider  the  parting  of 
friends  as  an  evil,  you  find  it  diminished  by  the  idea  of  its  being 
temporary.  “We  shall  rest  for  a season,  and  stand  in  our  lot  in 
the  latter  days.”  Tho’  death  is  the  last  enemy  that  will  be  over- 
come, yet  he  must  at  last  submit,  and  we  trust  that  ourselves  with 
many  who  have  gone  before  us,  will  have  the  benefit  of  the  promise. 

I trust  you  have  seen  a tribute  of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the 
General  in  last  Thursday’s  Chronicle.1  It  would  have  found  its 
way  there  sooner,  if  I had  not  expected  it  from  some  other  quarter. 

My  respects  to  your  sons  and  connections.  I am  Madam  with 
perfect  respect  Your  most  obedient  Servant 

James  Winthrop 

For  a rarity  this  letter  was  written  without  the  aid  of  glasses 
and  revised  with  them. 


Harrison  Gray  Otis  to  Mercy  Warren 

Boston,  4 feby.,  1809 

My  dear  Aunt,  — If  I could  allow  the  right  of  any  person  to 
interrogate  me  as  to  “what  I am  about,”  you  may  well  suppose 
that  there  is  no  individual  of  your  political  party,  whom  I would 
prefer  for  a confessor  to  your  much  respected  self.  But  it  certainly 
must  occur  to  you  that  if  I have  really  turned  conspirator  against 
the  State,  I ought  not  to  put  it  even  in  your  power  to  hang  me; 
nor  even  to  write  a letter  which  under  the  present  arbitrary  gov- 
ernment, might  by  a forced  construction,  if  found  by  accident, 
be  construed  into  evidence  of  treason.  Your  enquiry  therefore  if 
it  extends  to  my  secret  machinations,  you  must  permit  me  to 
decline,  and  if  it  applies  only  to  my  overt  acts,  it  is  superfluous, 
as  they  will  appear  on  record  in  the  public  and  political  bodies 
with  which  I am  associated. 


1 December  8. 


362  Warren -Adams  Letters  [1809 


To  be  serious,  my  dear  Aunt,  my  respect  and  affection  for  you, 
are  so  utterly  at  variance  with  the  political  views  and  party 
attachments  which  to  my  great  sorrow  and  mortification,  you 
have  been  led  to  embrace;  that  I have  for  twenty  years,  studiously 
evaded  all  discussions  of  the  last,  lest  the  former  might  be  brought 
into  jeopardy.  And  from  this  determination  I cannot  consent  to 
be  diverted,  at  this  late  period  of  your  existence,  when  my  duty 
and  your  afflictions  equally  require,  that  all  the  sentiments  which 
I have  an  opportunity  to  express  to  you,  should  breath  nothing 
but  tenderness  consolation,  and  respectful  love.  To  mingle  with 
these  the  acidulating,  corrosive  ingredients  of  political  creeds, 
would  be  to  turn  the  milk  of  human  kindness  into  poison.  I will 
not  engage  in  such  a process.  I will  not  disturb  the  vale  which  is 
consecrated  to  repose,  and  bedewed  with  sorrow,  by  the  noisy 
echos  of  party  disputes.  I will  not  agitate  the  groves  of  cypress 
and  weeping  willows  by  the  noise  and  bustle  of  excited  passions. 
When  I enter  these  retirements  I will  put  off  my  shoes.  When  I 
write  to  them  my  letters  shall  not  be  bearers  of  the  “fierce  debate 
and  tart  reply,”  but  so  far  as  depends  on  me,  they  shall  be  the 
messengers  of  affection  and  of  peace. 

It  was  my  firm  intention  to  have  made  you  a visit  soon  after 
the  death  of  my  uncle,  but  I have  been  constantly  overwhelmed 
with  the  concerns  of  others  from  which  I have  not  been  at  liberty 
to  escape.  Whether  I live  in  vain  or  even  worse  than  in  vain,  I can 
truly  say,  I have  not  yet  had  a chance  of  living  much  for  myself, 
nor  for  the  pleasures  and  advantages  of  sweet  communion  with 
any  particular  connections.  I sometimes  am  so  sanguine  as  to 
hope  that  these  blessings  are  not  forever  alienated  from  me  even 
in  this  world,  but  the  hours  fly,  and  my  white  hairs  become  daily 
more  discernible. 

My  family  all  unite  with  me,  in  the  sincere  assurance]  of 
regard  and  duty  to  you  and  yours,  with  w[hich]  I am,  dear  Madam, 
Your  dutiful  Nephew,1 

H.  G.  Otis 

1 A letter  from  Elbridge  Gerry  to  Mrs.  Warren,  June  5,  1809,  is  in  5 Collections,  iv.  498. 


1809] 


TVarren  - Adams  Letters  363 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Sept.  4,  1809 

Madam,  — When  I wrote  last,  and  to  which  your  very  polite 
answer  of  19  Aug.  has  been  received,  I did  not  mean  to  waste  any 
of  your  time  in  wandering  through  the  mazy  nonsense  of  heathen- 
ism, but  only  to  suggest  that  in  the  origin  of  society  consecration 
to  religious  uses  was  one  of  the  arts  used  to  preserve  useful  know- 
ledge and  useful  things  from  being  destroyed  by  an  unthinking 
people.  The  consecration  lasted  in  many  cases  longer  than  the 
reason  on  which  it  was  founded.  Many  useful  improvements  were 
preserved  among  the  Hebrews  by  being  applied  to  the  service  of 
the  tabernacle.  Now  in  a cultivated  state  of  Society  it  would 
be  superstitious  to  accumulate  things  of  the  kind  in  churches, 
when  there  are  so  many  reasons  for  preserving  them  in  other  places. 
Hence  I rather  consider  the  heathen  idolatry,  as  exceeding  the 
reason  on  which  it  was  founded,  and  lasting  much  longer  than  any 
consecration  reasonably  required.  Some  things  in  it  were  too  gross 
to  admit  even  of  this  palliation  and  we  can  only  say  with  the 
Apostle,  that  they  were  times  of  ignorance.  Since  the  Gospel  has 
appeared  and  brought  with  it  light  to  all  nations,  this  ignorance 
has  been  gradually  decreasing,  and  I think  we  stand  a good 
chance  to  see  the  bible  universally  allowed  to  be  preached  in  all 
countries.  The  vast  extension  of  European  Colonies  within  a few 
years  past,  and  the  pains  taken  to  distribute  the  bible  in  the  native 
language  of  each  country  are  circumstances  which  promise  speed- 
ily to  realize  the  Universality  of  the  Gospel. 

I am  a little  apprehensive  that  the  passion  flower  suffered  on  its 
journey.  It  is  very  tender,  and  is  hardly  ever,  when  left  upon  the 
vine,  found  expanded  on  the  second  day.  If  any  body  in  Plymouth 
has  Martyn’s  botany,  there  is  an  handsome  figure  of  it,  and  if  the 
plates  are  colored,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  It  is  a good  likeness. 

My  Brother’s  catalogue  1 is  not  sent  to  the  press  and  it  seems  to 
me  that  he  aims  at  an  ideal  perfection  which  prevents  us  from 
having  it  at  all.  He  is  now  gone  to  Brunswick  commencement. 

You  must  not  let  any  despondency  cloud  the  evening  of  your 

1 William  Winthrop  and  a manuscript  catalogue  of  Harvard  graduates. 


J Varren  - Adams  Letters  [1809 


364 


days.  Some  clouds  seemed  to  be  hovering  about  when  you  wrote 
last,  but  there  were  also  clear  shinings  between  them.  And  I am 
in  hopes  that  every  effort  will  be  attended  with  success,  which  has 
for  its  object  the  giving  permanence  to  the  habitual  serenity  of 
your  thoughts. 

Every  time  I receive  your  signature,  it  gladdens  my  heart,  by 
proving  that  my  name  is  recorded  in  your  memory.  But  this  is 
not  the  only  pleasure.  I always  find  those  just  sentiments  in  the 
letter  which  are  worthy  of  your  adoption.  I am,  Madam,  very 
sincerely  Your  most  obedient  Servant 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  12  Nov.,  1809 

Madam,  — Agreeably  to  your  directions  of  the  4th  instant  I saw 
Mr.  Baldwin,  and  requested  the  loan  of  Mr.  Dickenson’s  works. 
He  had  been  prepared  for  the  application  by  Judge  Thatcher,  and 
with  great  politeness  agreed  immediately.  I have,  however,  no 
doubt  of  his  complying  even  as  readily  as  he  did,  without  any 
such  previous  application.  The  goodness  of  his  disposition  and  the 
habitual  intercourse  between  us  would  have  been  sufficient.  To 
morrow  I propose  to  carry  the  books  to  Boston  in  order  to  their 
being  forwarded  in  the  way  you  propose.  I long  to  see  Maria,  but 
hardly  expect  it  this  time,  so  give  my  love  to  her  when  you  see  her. 

You  have  often  checked  me  for  indulging  in  such  levity  of 
imagination,  and  trivial  conversation;  but  I do  it  partly  upon  the 
principle  of  its  restoring  the  equilibrium  of  my  faculties,  when 
fatigued  by  severe  application  either  to  study  or  business.  I find 
by  experience,  that  what  is  called  generous  living  does  not  answer 
the  end.  Two  or  three  times  since  my  last  visit  to  Plymouth,  I 
have  tried  a glass  of  wine,  but  it  each  time  did  me  hurt.  With 
respect  to  the  produce  of  the  vine  I am  almost  a nazarite , and  find 
the  meagre  draft  of  warm  water  to  produce  more  uniform  health 
and  spirits,  than  is  derived  from  wine. 

About  three  months  ago  I collected  my  tracts  on  the  prophecies, 


i8io] 


Warren -Adams  Letters  365 


and  republished  them,  with  some  additional  remarks.1  The  whole 
makes  a book  of  about  the  size  of  a Psalm  Book.  The  printer 
undertook  to  sell  them  and  to  allow  a year  for  doing  it,  provided  I 
would  advance  a certain  sum  to  begin,  and  I promised  at  the  same 
[time]  not  to  distribute  any  till  he  had  made  his  trial.  I believe 
he  has  sold  about  half  a dozen  in  this  vicinity.  If  it  goes  on  in  the 
same  proportion  in  other  towns,  I must  make  my  savings  against 
next  summer  in  order  to  indemnify  him. 

In  the  additional  remarks  one  or  two  pages  are  bestowed  upon 
the  New  testament  principles  of  health.  It  is  hoped  that  the 
clergy,  if  any  of  them  will  be  at  the  trouble  of  examining  them, 
will  find  the  opinions  sufficiently  orthodox.  The  privation  of  the 
Pope  of  his  temporal  sovereignty  is  an  additional  proof  of  our 
general  theory. 

My  best  respects  to  your  immediate  connexions,  and  my  best 
wishes  for  the  confirmation  of  your  health  and  prosperity.  I am, 
Madam,  with  great  respect  Your  most  obedient  servant 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  25  July,  1810 

Madam,  — This  morning  I received  the  honor  of  your  letter 
dated  the  20th  and  it  can  hardly  be  necessary  to  say  that  I was 
exceedingly  gratified.  The  ease  and  the  politeness  with  which  you 
have  stated  your  opinions  upon  certain  points  of  our  faith,  dis- 
cover the  same  elevated  and  discriminating  mind,  which  has 
always  marked  your  writings,  and  been  the  admiration  of  your 
friends. 

Though  I have  given  a view  of  the  subject  of  prophecy,  which 
appears  to  me  to  be  more  connected  and  systematic,  than  any 
other  work  that  has  come  to  my  hands  on  this  subject;  though  my 
understanding  is  convinced,  so  that  repeated  reviews  of  the  work 
have  not  shewm  me  any  error;  yet  I cannot  blame  those  whose 
habits  of  considering  the  subject  are  different  from  mine,  for  not 

1 Appendix  to  the  New  Testament,  printed  by  Hilliard  and  Metcalf,  Cambridge,  1809. 


366  JV arren  - Adams  Letters  [1810 


being  ready  at  once  to  change  their  opinions.  We  both  look  for  the 
coming  of  the  Lord,  and  for  his  setting  up  in  some  part  of  the 
creation,  a visible  kingdom,  where  his  saints  “will  see  him  as 
he  is,”  at  that  time;  and  the  reason  assigned  is  that  they  will  have 
bodies  like  his.  Whatever  may  be  the  texture  of  spiritual  bodies, 
they  will  be  discernible  by  spiritual  organs,  as  material  bodies  are 
perceived  by  material  organs.  Hence  Saint  Paul  draws  the  con- 
clusion, that  we  shall  be  like  him  for  we  shall  see  him  as  he  is. 
So  far  we  all  agree. 

The  question  that  remains  is,  where  this  is  to  be?  It  will  be 
readily  confessed,  that  it  is  equally  in  the  power  of  Deity  to  pre- 
pare for  himself  a throne,  either  on  this  planet  or  in  any  other 
part  of  the  Universe,  on  which  he  will  not  disdain  to  sit.  Wherever 
it  will  be,  his  condescension  will  be  manifested  by  his  becoming 
the  visible  president  of  his  creatures.  Commentators  in  general 
have  supposed  some  other  place  for  the  consummation  of  these 
prophecies,  but  I have  adopted  that  which  fulfils  them  here  as 
being  more  systematic,  and  more  consonant  to  the  measuring  of 
them  by  time.  And  I believe  the  system  you  have  just  read 
provides  for  all  the  times  mentioned,  and  estimates  those  that  are 
future  by  the  same  principles  as  those  already  past.  This  is  an 
advantage. 

The  instances  of  visible  translation  which  you  have  with  so 
much  ability  stated  all  of  them  apply  to  the  intermediate  state. 
It  is  expressly  declared  of  Christ  that  he  will  again  appear  to  his 
disciples  in  the  same  visible  form  as  when  he  was  taken  from  among 
them.  We  believe  the  same  thing  of  Enoch,  Elijah,  and  all  the 
dead  saints.  The  mode  of  their  recovery  or  return  is  no  where 
explained  but  we  believe  in  the  event.  Prophecy  in  this,  as  in 
most  other  instances,  has  mentioned  the  event  without  pointing 
out  the  mode.  As  a large  part  of  the  series  is  already  completed, 
and  appears  to  have  come  round  naturally,  the  conclusion  seems 
to  be  just  that  the  residue  will  also  be  fulfilled  in  such  a manner 
as  to  give  the  least  possible  shock  either  to  our  sense  or  our  under- 
standing. As  for  example  Christ  is  to  be  the  Universal  Prince, 
the  preparation  is  now  making  by  the  Union  of  a number  of 
European  States  to  establish  a maritime  law  of  Nations.  This  is 


i8io] 


JVarren  - Adams  Letters  367 


from  time  to  time  published  by  the  head  of  the  confederation. 
When  this  business  has  become  Universal,  the  guardian  of  the  law 
will  reside  at  Jerusalem,  and  all  the  questions  of  the  Intercourse 
between  Nations  will  be  referred  to  him,  and  his  decision  will  be 
final.  At  present  people  are  classing  into  parties  upon  this  very 
question.  One  party  looks  with  horror  upon  the  European  Con- 
federation, while  the  other  party  thinks  a law  of  nations  to  be 
precisely  what  is  wanting  to  secure  the  freedom  of  the  seas.  But  a 
law  without  any  officer  having  authority  to  execute  it,  is  an 
absurdity.  Hence  arises  the  need  of  an  Universal  Government, 
and  as  I read  the  prophecies  such  an  one  we  shall  have  in  about 
half  a century.  The  Judgment  on  the  Ancient  establishments  is 
now  far  advanced,  and  reckoning  the  fall  of  Antichrist  as  the 
signal,  the  time  fast  approaches  for  the  triumph  of  the  saints. 

But  I shall  tire  your  patience,  and  must  therefore  conclude  with 
adding  the  wishes  of  Mrs.  Hilliard  to  my  own  that  your  health 
and  enjoyment  may  still  remain  an  happiness  to  those  who  are 
already  advanced  in  life,  and  a light  to  those  who  are  advancing. 
I am,  Madam,  very  respectfully  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  James  Warren 

Cambridge,  ii  Nov.,  1810 

Dear  Sir,  — I thank  you  for  your  appendix  to  Madam’s 
letter.  If  I can  learn  what  book  or  kind  of  book  you  wish  to  read, 
it  will  part  of  my  happiness  to  help  you  to  it.  It  is  diverting  to  see 
Great  Britain  nestling  in  a distress  of  her  own  creating.  When  her 
orders  in  Council  were  made,  it  was  with  an  evident  view  to 
monopolize  all  the  trade  of  the  World;  but  if  she  had,  it  could  not 
have  supported  her.  It  is  true  that  the  trade  of  neutrals  was 
cramped,  and  by  the  countervailing  orders  of  France  nearly 
annihilated.  Very  little  trade  was  carried  on  with  France,  except 
by  English  vessels  specially  licensed  by  both  governments,  and 
the  case  was  the  same  in  England.  Thus  these  two  powers  ex- 
cluded neutrals  and  paid  each  other  for  making  war.  They  have 


368 


JVarren- Adams  Letters  [1810 


now  got  to  understand  it.  The  neutrals  have  begun  to  establish 
manufactures  for  their  own  supply,  the  English  have  found  so 
little  vent  for  their  fabrics,  especially  woollen,  that  they  sell  for 
little  more  than  half  the  usual  price,  and  when  we  take  into 
consideration  the  improvement  made  by  their  importation  of 
Spanish  sheep,  the  cloths  do  not  probably  sell  for  a quarter  of  the 
price,  that  cloth  of  equal  goodness  would  have  borne  two  years  ago. 
Ca  ira , they  fall  into  a pit  of  their  own  digging.  Yours  sincerely, 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  Deer.  14,  1810 

Madam,  — At  the  end  of  the  College  Vacation  in  February,  I 
received  from  you  Mr.  Baldwin’s  books,  accompanied  by  your 
charming  letter.  I immediately  returned  the  books  to  the  owner 
and  delivered  him  your  message.  He  desired  me  to  make  his 
respects  to  you,  and  to  say  that  whenever  he  goes  to  Plymouth 
he  will  not  fail  to  wait  upon  you.  He  was  gratified  with  the  idea 
of  having  rendered  a service,  tho’  a small  one,  to  a person  of  your 
eminence  in  the  literary  as  well  as  polite  world. 

I have  not  seen  the  JEgis.  Nobody  here  takes  it.  I take  the 
Chronicle  and  other  Democratic  papers  from  Boston,  except  the 
Patriot  which  did  not  need  aid.  The  eastern  papers  I took  while 
they  continued  democratic.  When  they  apostatised,  they  lost 
me  for  a customer.  I do  not  now  take  the  Boston  papers  for  the 
sake  of  reading  them,  but  it  is  necessary  to  contribute  toward 
public  information,  and  I have  chosen  the  democratic  side.  The 
federals  are  willing  to  read  if  they  are  not  called  upon  to  pay. 
By  this  means  readers  are  found.  They  do  not  however  always 
read  with  judgment.  An  instance  I recollect.  One  of  my  federal 
neighbors  with  whom  the  Democrat  was  left,  sent  it  home  after 
he  had  read  it  and  sent  me  word  that  there  was  a most  excellent 
speech  of  Mr.  Otis  in  it.  I a little  wondered  at  the  intelligence, 
and  on  searching  for  the  speech  found  only  the  remarks  upon  it. 
It  happened  to  be  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  question  from  my 


i8io] 


TVarren -Adams  Letters  369 


federal  neighbor.  To  return,  not  having  seen  the  JEgis  I am  unable 
to  give  any  opinion  of  the  review. 

Though  in  a former  letter  I mentioned  your  friendly  remarks  as 
an  inducement  to  try  to  justify  indulging  in  light  and  trivial 
conversation,  it  was  not  done  on  any  supposition  of  deficiency  of 
candor  on  your  part.  So  far  from  it,  that  if  I had  suspected  any 
want  of  candor,  I should  not  have  given  any  reasons  at  all.  But 
knowing  the  high  value  you  set  upon  that  virtue,  I was  willing  to 
inform  you  of  all  the  operations  of  my  own  mind,  so  far  as  they 
influence  my  outward  conduct.  The  reasons  did  not  arise  from 
pique,  but  from  confidence. 

All  this  winter  I have  been  occupied,  except  when  engaged  in 
business,  in  peeping  into  the  Russian  language.  As  I could  not 
buy  a dictionary,  I have  been  engaged  in  epitomizing  a borrowed 
one.  It  seems  to  be  an  odd  pursuit  for  a person  just  compleating 
his  fifty-eighth  year;  but  it  is  not  so  bad  as  Cato  the  censor,  who 
learned  greek  at  upward  of  eighty.  But  the  more  languages  we 
learn,  the  easier  new  ones  become.  We  see  more  of  their  resemb- 
lance in  construction  and  learn  to  apply  general  principles,  as  we 
do  in  other  branches  of  knowledge.  It  every  -day  becomes  more 
evident,  that  all  languages  are  branches  of  one  original,  as  Moses 
has  declared. 

Mrs.  Hilliard  and  Harriet  send  their  respects,  and  thanks  for 
your  congratulations.  The  occasion  however  has  not  yet  fully 
matured,  but  it  is  apprehended  will  take  place. 

I am  glad  to  learn  by  Mr.  Warren’s  letter,  that  your  health 
continues  as  good  as  usual.1  I am,  Madam,  with  great  respect 
Your  most  obedient  servant, 

James  Winthrop 

I A letter  from  Elbridge  Gerry  to  Mrs.  Warren,  November  7,  1811,  is  in  5 Collections, 
iv.  499. 


37° 


Tl^arren  -Adams  Letters  [1812 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  8 Feb.,  1812 

Madam,  — This  morning  I was  honored  with  the  receit  of  your 
letter  of  the  5th.  inst.  inclosing  one  of  31  Aug.,  1811,  intended  to 
have  been  delivered  by  Mr.  Judson  Jr.  When  last  at  Plymouth  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  him,  and  the  pleasure  would  have  been 
renewed  and  heightened  by  his  bringing  your  letter.  I do  not  know 
how  long  it  is  since  any  communication  has  passed  between  us, 
but  it  is  very  long;  and  give  me  leave  to  add,  that  it  has  not  been 
owing  to  neglect  or  forgetfulness  on  my  part;  but  to  the  want  of 
any  other  matter,  than  such  as  we  suppose  always  exists  in  the 
minds  of  those,  who  are  in  the  habit  of  friendly  intercourse. 

I should  have  been  glad  to  have  seen  Mr.  Judson  1 before  his 
departure  from  his  own  country  to  Calcutta,  but  as  by  this  time 
he  has  probably  gone,  the  attempt  to  see  him  would  be  vain,  and 
writing  would  be  little  if  any  better.  I wish  him  all  the  success, 
that  the  nature  and  importance  of  his  Enterprise  deserve.  As  it 
respects  Christianity,  this  is  an  eventful  and  interesting  time. 
The  Exertions  made  in  England  and  in  this  country  to  propagate 
the  knowledge  of  the  Bible  in  the  most  remote  and  benighted 
corners  of  the  earth,  are  so  great  and  at  present  so  prosperous; 
that  a very  few  years  will  probably  shew  Christianity  to  be  the 
prevailing  religion  all  over  the  World.  At  present  it  is  the  only  one 
of  any  note  in  America.  In  Russia  it  is  the  religion  of  the  Govern- 
ment and  generally  predominant  among  the  people.  In  India  and 
the  Islands,  so  far  as  they  have  been  subjected  by  the  English  or 
Dutch,  it  is  the  religion  of  the  Government  and  common  among 
the  people.  In  China  and  Persia  the  Government  has  little  to  do 
with  it,  but  a large  proportion  of  the  people  adopt  it,  and  an  en- 
terprising Christian  probably  would  not  be  without  supporters. 
China  and  Japan  still  reject  it.  But  as  the  power  of  the  Christians 
prevails  in  India,  it  will  not  be  long  before  some  question  arises 
between  them  and  the  Chinese,  which  may  require  force  to 
determine.  In  that  case  the  resistance  of  China  would  be  very 

1 Adoniram  Judson  (1788-1850),  whose  life  was  written  by  Francis  Wayland  (1853) 
and  his  son  Edward  Judson  (1883). 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


37 1 


1812] 


short.  These  things  will  all  be  done  within  half  a century.  And 
about  1866  Mahometanism  will  be  diverted,  and  the  Messiah’s 
Kingdom  established  at  Jerusalem  and  the  Arabian  peninsula 
will  be  his  Domicil  of  Empire.  I wish  Mr.  Judson  would  send  me  a 
catalogue  of  the  books  printed  in  the  Oriental  languages  at  Cal- 
cutta with  their  prices,  including  bibles,  dictionaries  and  gram- 
mars. They  are  printed  to  be  sold  cheap,  but  we  want  to  regulate 
our  expence,  and  not  run  into  a thoughtless  expenditure.  If  he 
has  not  already  gone,  I shall  be  obliged  to  you  to  get  him  to  make 
a memorandum  of  my  wish  and  as  soon  as  he  can  after  his  ar- 
rival to  transmit  it  to  me.  It  is  a branch  of  learning  in  which  I 
am  at  present  interested.  If  he  has  already  gone,  his  father  will 
have  no  objection  to  inserting  such  a clause  in  his  first  letter.  If 
there  be  any  expence  in  procuring  such  a catalogue,  I will  gladly 
defray  it,  but  without  it  I know  not  what  books  to  try  for.  Dr. 
Marchman  the  Baptist  Missionary  at  Serampore,  and  one  of  their 
principal  translators,  will  easily  help  him  in  this  respect. 

I hope  your  health  remains  good,  and  that  your  eyes  have 
amended.  Let  me  hear  from  you  soon.  My  best  regards  to  your 
children.  I am  with  much  respect,  Madam,  Your  most  obedient 
Servant, 

James  Winthrop 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  13  Deer.,  1812 

Madam,  — I hope  your  health  continues  as  good  as  it  has  been 
for  some  time  past.  It  is  long  since  I have  heard  directly  from 
Plymouth.  Has  any  communication  been  yet  received  from  Mr. 
Judson  in  India.  How  does  his  father  bear  his  absence? 

Two  events  have,  since  the  Commencement  of  the  French 
Revolution,  taken  place,  which  have  satisfied  me  of  the  detestable 
maxims  of  the  old  governments  of  Europe,  and  convinced  me  that 
they  ought  to  be  extirpated.  One  of  them  was  that  Louis  16th. 
paid  two  armies  at  the  same  time  for  fighting  with  each  other. 
As  King  of  France  he  was  commander  in  chief  of  all  the  armies 


37  2 TV arren -Adams  Letters  [1812 


of  the  state,  and  he  put  them  in  motion  to  defend  the  country 
against  the  German  Armies  and  the  French  Emigrants.  He  at  the 
same  time  was  paying  the  emigrants  for  invading  their  country, 
under  the  pretence  of  restoring  the  King  to  the  ancient  preroga- 
tives, that  he  had  himself  renounced.  When  this  fact  was  ascer- 
tained, it  cost  him  his  head. 

The  other  events  which  characterize  the  extreme  depravity  of 
the  old  governments,  are  the  late  Conduct  of  the  Russians  in 
setting  fire  to  their  towns,  when  they  found  themselves  unable  to 
resist  the  french  invaders  in  the  field.  They  have  claimed  the 
honor  of  a great  victory  over  the  french  army  because  they  held 
in  check  the  column  of  the  latter  which  was  on  the  right  of  the 
French  and  nearest  to  Moscow.  In  the  centre  and  on  the  left 
Victory  was  decisive  in  favor  of  the  French.  So  that  as  it  respects 
the  whole  battle  the  Russians  were  the  losers.  Their  subsequent 
conduct,  shews  pretty  plainly  what  sort  of  victory  they  boasted 
of;  for  the  next  view  we  have  of  this  same  victorious  army  is  that 
it  retreated,  the  french  continued  their  march  toward  Moscow, 
and  the  governor  in  despair  of  making  any  effectual  defence  set 
on  fire  and  actually  destroyed  great  part  of  the  city,  when  the 
arrival  of  the  French  saved  the  remainder,  and  stopped  the  con- 
flagration. If  this  can  with  any  propriety  of  speech  be  called  a 
victory  it  is  difficult  to  determine  what  is  not  one. 

Moscow  is  described  as  the  most  extensive  town  in  Europe  being 
about  twenty  four  English  miles  in  circuit,  and  tho’  larger  than 
London  or  Paris,  did  not  probably  contain  more  than  a quarter  of 
the  population  of  either  of  those  cities.  The  houses  were  chiefly 
of  wood,  and  at  a distance  from  each  other.  This  accounts  for  the 
time  it  took  to  burn  so  much  of  the  town  as  was  consumed,  and 
the  number  of  fires  to  be  kindled.  But  it  seems  the  french  Troops, 
whether  from  seeing  the  flames  at  a distance  in  the  bearing  of 
Moscow,  or  from  other  means  of  intelligence,  took  the  alarm  and 
arrived  in  time  to  save  the  greater  part  of  the  city.  While  the 
Russians  were  destroying  their  own  towns  and  turning  out  the 
inhabitants  at  the  beginning  of  winter  to  perish  by  cold  and 
hunger,  the  french  appeared  as  their  saviors.  Can  there  be  any 
doubt  to  which  party  the  affections  of  those  distressed  people 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


373 


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will  incline?  The  same  policy,  barbarous  and  mistaken  as  it  was, 
had  been  pursued  by  the  Russians  at  Smolensko  and  other  places 
which  they  had  lost,  and  was  pursued  so  constantly  and  system- 
atically, as  to  leave  little  doubt  of  being  grounded  on  imperial 
orders.  But  surely  no  government  has  a right  to  distress  or 
destroy  a part  of  their  subjects,  whom  it  finds  itself  unable  to 
protect.  Accordingly  it  has  been  the  policy  of  European  Nations, 
when  they  found  it  necessary  to  leave  a place  to  the  mercy  of  an 
enemy  to  withdraw  their  troops  and  let  the  inhabitants  make  the 
best  terms  they  could  with  the  victorious  general.  At  the  end  of 
the  War  it  has  been  customary  to  restore  conquests.  But  what 
claim  can  a government  have  to  the  benefit  of  the  rule,  who  con- 
sider it  not  as  their  duty  to  preserve  their  people,  but  suppose  they 
have  also  a right  to  destroy  them. 

A reverse  of  the  British  influence  seems  to  have  taken  place  in 
Spain.  Madison  probably  re-elected.  All  these  things  tend  to 
give  us  peace. 

Our  friends  here  all  join  in  respect  to  you  and  yours,  please 
to  accept  my  best  respects  for  you  and  your  children.  I am, 
Madam,  with  great  respect  Your  most  obedient  Servant 

James  Winthrop 


Elbridge  Gerry  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  17th  Deer .,  1812 

I have  received,  my  dear  Madam,  your  friendly  letter  of  the 
7th,  and  proposing  a ride  to  Quincy  yesterday,  I called  at  the  Post 
office  and  was  favored  with  that  of  the  12th  and  with  the  copy  it 
enclosed. 

Your  congratulations  are  always  a source  of  great  pleasure, 
especially  when  they  respect  my  family  or  self;  because  I am  sure 
they  are  the  sincere  effusions  of  friendship.  Those  which  respect 
the  health  of  Mrs.  Gerry,  as  you  justly  conceive,  relate  to  a 
primary  object;  one  that  is  essential  to  my  happiness.  And  those 
which  regard  my  supposed  election,  are  highly  flattering;  as  well 
for  the  sanction  they  imply  of  my  political  conduct,  as  for  the 


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interest  they  manifest,  in  whatever  concerns  myself  or  family, 
for  these  unequivocal  expressions  of  your  good  opinion  and 
friendship,  accept  Madam  my  sincere  and  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments. The  re-election  of  Mr.  Madison  was  in  my  mind  an  event 
of  vast  magnitude;  for  had  it  been  defeated,  G.  Britain  would  have 
had  a well  founded  prospect  of  a triumph  over  our  liberty,  and 
with  all  the  Powers  of  Europe,  would  have  considered  her  corrupt 
influence  over  us,  as  being  paramount  to  our  political  Virtue,  and 
to  our  sense  of  national  honor.  My  opinion  of  Mr.  Madison, 
is  perfectly  coincident  with  your  own;  “that  we  have  more  to 
hope”  from  his  election,  than  from  that  of  any  other  person  “that 
could  have  been  selected  in  the  U States.”  The  Sphere  of  the 
Vice-President  is  contracted,  and  the  public  expectations,  it  is 
conceived,  will  not  extend  beyond  its  limits. 

At  Quincy,  I had  a very  agreable  Interview  with  President 
Adams  and  his  Family;  and  in  a tete  a tete,  with  Mrs.  Adams,  I 
remarked  on  the  pleasure  which  I had  derived  from  the  informa- 
tion received  of  her  visit  with  her  daughter  and  one  of  her  grand 
daughters,  to  Plymouth.  I likewise  stated  the  pleasing  impression 
made  on  my  mind,  by  the  proposition  of  the  President  for  termin- 
ating the  differences  which  had  existed  between  him  and  yourself; 
to  which  she  replyed,  that  as  they  were  not  accepted,  the  Presi- 
dent did  not  regret  this  circumstance,  conceiving  as  he  did,  that 
he  had  gone  too  far  in  his  advances.  This  conversation  happened, 
in  the  absence  of  the  President,  who  was  called  on  by  a person 
in  waiting,  and  who  returning,  prevented  further  observations. 
Circumstanced  as  this  affair  then  was,  I deemed  it  ineligible  to 
pursue  the  subject  further  at  that  time;  especially  as  Mrs.  Adams 
appeared  to  me  a little  uneasy;  and  to  be  guarded  in  her  observa- 
tions. Should  there  be  any  future  prospect  of  restoring  mutual 
friendship  to  my  respected,  my  highly  respected  friends;  I shall 
pursue  the  object  with  unremitted  endeavours. 

I return  the  letters  and  answers  by  your  Grandson  Mr.  Winslow 
Warren;  and  having  attentively  perused  both,  my  desires  are  more 
ardent  to  terminate  amicably,  this  unhappy  dissention  between 
a Lady  and  Gentleman;  who  were  once  affectionate  friends,  and 
always,  Ornaments  of  Society.  The  productions  alluded  to,  if  they 


Warren- Adams  Letters 


375 


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should  attain  publicity,  will  be  sedulously  applied  to  the  injury 
of  the  fame  of  both  parties,  by  their  respective  enemies.  I regret 
exceedingly,  that  existing  circumstances,  seem  to  increase  the 
difficulty  of  approximating  to  each  other  my  particular  friends; 
but  despair  is  inadmissible,  in  any  case,  accept,  I pray  you, 
Madam,  with  every  member  of  your  amiable  family,  the  affec- 
tionate regards  of  my  own,  and  of  your  sincere  and  respectful 
friend, 

E.  Gerry 

P.  S.  A visit  to  Plymouth  this  winter,  will  I fear  be  impractic- 
able. It  would  give  me  great  pleasure.1 


James  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

Cambridge,  28  Feb.,  1813 

Madam,  — Your  two  letters  of  Jan.  6 and  Feb.  21.  I received 
with  great  pleasure  in  due  season.  The  first  of  them  gives  a true, 
tho’  melancholy  picture  of  the  weakness  and  absurdity  of  the  old 
establishments  of  Europe,  and  of  the  World.  They  have  been  now 
for  a number  of  years  on  the  decline,  and  are  now  mostly  blotted 
out  from  the  map;  or  in  the  scripture  style  are  judged  by  righteous 
men.  We  trust  that  a better  order  of  things  is  begun  on  that 
Continent. 

I am  sorry  for  the  disaster  of  the  french  army  in  the  north. 
Napoleon’s  commission  seems  to  be  to  reform  the  Western  Roman 
Empire.  Nearly  all  of  it  is  now  reduced.  Only  England  still  sur- 
vives with  the  little  kingdom  of  Portugal.  This  remainder  will 
soon  vanish.  But  the  northern  powers  or  Gog  will  require  some 
time  longer.  Ezekiel,  if  I rightly  understand  his  39th  chapter 
allows  seven  prophetic  years  or  2520  common  years  for  the  con- 
test between  the  believers  and  unbelievers.  These  are  to  be  reck- 
oned from  the  rise  of  Antichrist  in  A D.  532.  When  the  judgment 
on  Antichrist  begun  in  1792,  half  the  period  was  elapsed.  At  the 

1 A letter  from  Mrs.  Adams  to  Mrs.  Warren,  December  30,  18x2,  and  Mrs.  Warren’s 
reply,  January  26,  1813,  are  in  5 Collections,  iv.  501,  503. 


376 


M^arren -Adams  Letters  [1813 


commencement  of  the  second  half  begun  the  judgment  on  Anti- 
christ, the  70  years  of  Jewish  expectation  and  the  Judgment  on 
Gog  or  the  northern  powers.  For  this  last  Ezekiel  allots  seven 
months  or  210  common  years.  It  will  therefore  end  about  the  year 
2000.  He  says  the  place  of  their  defeat  shall  be  on  the  east  side 
of  the  sea,  in  the  valley  of  passengers,  and  shall  be  called  the 
valley  of  Hamon  Gog.  Ez.  xxxix.  1 1.  12.  The  valley  of  passengers 
or  resort  of  travellers  agrees  remarkably  well  with  the  Nether- 
lands, which  have  for  many  years  been  distinguished  as  a principal 
part  of  the  grand  tour , and  are  on  the  East  side  of  the  Ocean.  If 
then  that  part  of  Europe  is  still  to  be  the  seat  of  war  between  the 
northern  and  southern  states  of  Europe  till  Gog  is  exhausted, 
we  may  not  look  for  its  speedy  reduction.  The  other  powers  we 
may  consider  as  revolutionized  already  beyond  a recovery.  The 
Judgment  on  Antichrist  will  determine,  according  to  Daniel, 
about  1821. 

The  federal  or  british  party  are  much  elated  by  the  late  dis- 
tresses of  the  French  army;  but  I believe  their  triumph  will  be 
short  Mr.  Madison’s  election  goes  but  little  way  in  the  scale  of 
these  great  events;  but  it  shews  the  preponderating  sentiment  of 
our  nation.  It  seems  to  me  that  Great  Britain  will  hold  Portugal 
but  a very  little  longer.  Their  power  in  that  country  will  be  of  still 
shorter  duration,  if  they  send  any  considerable  reinforcement  to 
Canada;  for  I do  not  think,  they  have  army  enough  for  both 
services. 

I am  sorry  the  missionaries  failed  of  their  admission  to  India, 
and  suspect  it  was  not  so  much  owing  to  their  being  Americans, 
as  to  their  design  of  teaching  Christianity.  I believe  that  at 
present  the  religion  of  the  New  Testament  is  at  as  low  an  Ebb  in 
India  as  in  any  part  of  the  World,  unless  it  be  in  Japan.  If  I 
recollect  rightly,  Buchanan  1 says  the  Government  there  prefer  a 
native  heathen  before  a Christian  for  the  Offices  in  their  gift; 
and  that  a revenue  is  raised  from  some  parts  of  Idolatrous  worship. 
It  is  then  no  wonder  that  they  are  loth  to  establish  a better  sys- 
tem. The  repulsed  missionaries  are  reported  to  have  gone  to 
Madagascar.  But  they  will  probably  not  fare  much  better  there. 

1 Claudius  Buchanan,  who  wrote  much  on  mission  work  in  Asia. 


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377 


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The  island  is  now  in  possession  of  the  English,  who  during  the 
present  war  reduced  the  french  colony  there.  The  natives  are  still 
in  a most  barbarous  state. 

Accept  reciprocal  Congratulations  on  the  Commencement  of 
the  New  Year,  and  on  having  entered  your  85th.  Very  few  have 
the  indulgence  of  so  long  a term  for  the  enjoyment  of  their  facul- 
ties in  so  much  ease  and  comfort.  It  is  however  a blessing  which 
your  friends  enjoy  with  you. 

I am  sorry  for  the  disease  of  my  friend  Henry  Warren.  I have 
taken  a week  to  enquire  for  some  leeks,  but  have  not  yet  met  with 
any.  There  are  none  in  the  Botanic  Gardens,  nor  in  any  other, 
that  I can  hear  of  in  this  vicinity.  There  are  however  some  in- 
stances of  outgrowing  the  disorder.  The  late  Rev.  Mr.  Badger  of 
Natic  was  one.1 

My  love,  if  you  please,  to  Maria,  I long  to  see  her,  and  to  your 
children.  Mrs.  Hilliard  joins  her  good  wishes  to  those  of  Mrs. 
Peck  and  myself  for  the  continuance  of  your  health  and  happiness. 
My  brother  has  been  unwell  this  winter,  but  is  now  pretty  well 
reestablished.  He  superintends  his  farm  in  this  neighborhood  and 
about  18  months  ago  built  him  a new  house  on  the  old  site,  in 
which  he  lives.  I am,  Madam,  with  much  respect  Your  most 
obedient  servant, 

James  Winthrop 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  April  9th,  1813 

My  dear  Madam,  — I cannot  let  my  son  pass  through 
Plimouth  without  stoping  to  inquire  after  your  Health,  and  that 
of  your  Family! 

Nor  of  asking  you  who  have  lived  many  Years,  and  whose 
observations  and  experience  must  have  excited  in  your  mind, 
Reflections  which  ought  not  to  terminate  with  your  days. 

what  is  your  opinion  of  the  great  and  important  events  which 
are  taking  place  in  the  civilized  world?  will  they  terminate  in  the 
1 Stephen  Badger  (1725-1803). 


378 


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[1813 


freedom  and  happiness  of  the  Great  Family  of  Man?  and  are  the 
Members  of  that  great  Family  capable  of  appreciating  and  enjoy- 
ing so  great  a Blessing? 

Do  we  who  boast  of  being  the  most  enlightend  Nation  use  our 
Liberty,  without  abusing  it?  what  shall  we  answer?  verily  we  are 
Guilty. 

So  great  a system  seems  to  be  unfolding  that  the  mind  is  be- 
wilderd  in  the  contemplation,  it  can  only  rest  upon  the  belief 
that  there  is  a wise  and  just  Moral  Govenour  of  the  universe,  who 
will  order  and  direct  all  things  to  his  own  Glory. 

Let  me  again  see  the  Signature  of  my  Friend  to  convince  me 
that  she  is  yet  a sublinary  Being,  which  will  give  pleasure  to  her 
assured  Friend,1 

A.  Adams 


John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 

Quincy,  April  17,  1813 

Dear  Sir,  — Since  I have  read  again,  your  Law  “for  encourag- 
ing the  fitting  out  armed  Vessells,”  printed  in  Edes’s  Watertown 
Gazette  of  the  thirteenth  of  November,  1775;  I have  had  the 
Curiosity  to  look  into  several  of  our  Historians,  in  order  to  see 
what  notice  they  have  taken  of  this  Transaction,  which  had  such 
important  Consequences. 

It  was  natural  to  begin  with  Mrs.  Warren,  as  she  was  a native 
of  this  Province,  a Daughter  of  the  first  Member  of  the  Counsell, 
and  the  Consort  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House,  composing  the 
Legislature  which  enacted  it.  In  the  first  Volume  of  her  History, 
page  239,  Chap.  7.  1775,  after  representing  the  want  of  Arms  and 
Ammunition  she  says: 

These  Circumstances  accellerated  a spirritted  measure,  before  contemplated 
only  by  a few;  the  arming  and  equipping  of  ships  to  cruize  on  British  Property, 
was  a bold  attempt,  that  startled  the  Apprehensions  of  many,  zealously  opposed  to 
the  undue  exercise  of  British  power;  but  necessity  impelled,  and  the  Enterprize 


1 A letter  from  Elbridge  Gerry  to  Mrs.  Warren,  April  20,  1813,  is  in  5 Collections,  iv. 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


379 


1813] 


was  pursued.  The  General  Assembly  of  the  Massachusetts  soon  resolved  to  build, 
equip,  and  arm,  a number  of  Vessels  suitable  for  the  purpose,  to  cruise  and  cap- 
ture any  British  Ships  that  might  be  found,  on  or  near  their  Coasts.  They  granted 
Letters  of  Marque  and  Reprisal  to  several  Adventurers,  and  appoint  Courts  of 
Admiralty  for  the  Tryal  and  condemnation  of  any  captures  within  those  Limits. 
By  these  means,  the  seasonable  capture,  in  the  beginning  of  this  Enterprise, 
of  a British  Ship,  laden  with  Ordnance,  and  an  assorted  cargo  of  warlike  stores, 
sufficiently  supplied  the  exegencies  of  the  Army  and  dissipated  the  fears  of  those, 
who  had  suffered  the  most  painful  Apprehensions  for  the  safety  of  their  Country. 

These  Naval  Preparations  may  perhaps  be  said,  not  to  have  been  merely  of  a 
defensive  nature,  the  Line  yet  avowedly  observed  by  the  Americans,  But  they 
had  advanced  too  far  to  recede.  Sophistical  distinctions  of  Words  or  names  were 
laid  aside.  It  is  a Fact  of  which  every  one  is  sensible  that  successful  Opposition  to 
arbitrary  sway,  places  a civic  crown,  on  the  head  of  the  Hero  that  resists;  when 
contingences  that  defeat,  confer  an  hempen  cord,  instead  of  a wreath  of  laurel. 
The  Success  and  Catastrophe  of  the  infant  Navy  of  America,  will  be  shewn  in 
the  succeeding  Pages. 

I should  have  expected  that  this  ingenious  Lady  would  have  at 
least  inserted  your  Law,  which  is  certainly  one  of  the  most  impor- 
tant Documents  in  the  History  of  the  World,  in  her  Appendix  to 
this  volume.  But  no;  the  above  Paragraph  is  all  she  says  upon  an 
Event  so  extreamly  important  to  the  Salvation  of  her  Country 
at  that  time  and  at  this.  Had  that  Law  been  conceived  or  drawn 
by  her  Brother,  her  Father,  or  her  Husband,  Her  Reader  would 
have  been  favoured  with  a more  ample  detail  and  a more  elegant 
panegyrick.  But  I presume  this  was  written  after  She  had  con- 
ceived the  horror  of  a Navy,  which  appears  in  other  Parts  of  her 
History;  and  after  she  had  acquired  the  habit  of  concording  with 
my  Enemies,  in  condemning  me  and  my  zeal  to  promote  a Navy 
in  1798. 

In  page  247  are  recorded  the  Proceedings  of  Congress  towards  a 
Naval  Establishment,  in  a still  more  summary  manner. 

Many  Gentlemen,  sanguine  in  Opinion,  that  an  American  Navy  was  no 
Utopian  project,  but  that  her  Marine  might  rapidly  rise  to  a respectable  height; 
engaged  with  an  energy  that  seldom  fails  of  carrying  into,  execution  any  Attempt 
the  human  mind,  on  principles  of  reason  is  capable  of  forming.  They  accordingly 
built,  on  the  large  rivers  from  Portsmouth  to  Pensylvania,  a Number  of  Vessels, 
Row  Gallies,  and  Frigates,  from  four  to  forty  Guns;  fitted  manned,  and  com- 
pleatly  equipped  them  for  Sea  in  the  Course  of  a few  Months,  All  encouragement 
was  given  both  to  public  and  private  Adventurers,  who  engaged  in  the  Sea 


38° 


JVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1813 


Service;  Success  was  equal  to  expectation;  many  very  valuable  Prizes,  and  a vast 
number  of  Provision  Vessels,  from  England,  Ireland  and  Nova  Scotia  were 
captured,  and  by  this  means,  the  Americans  were  soon  supplied,  not  only  with 
the  Necessaries  for  War,  but  with  the  conveniences  and  the  Luxuries  of  Life. 

Is  this  not  strange,  that  one  of  the  boldest,  most  dangerous  and 
most  important  Measures  and  Epochas  in  the  History  of  the  New 
World  The  Commencement  of  an  independent  National  Estab- 
lishment of  a new  maritime  and  Naval  military  Power  should  be 
thus  carelessly  and  confusedly  hurried  over?  Had  the  Historian 
never  read  the  Law  of  Massachusetts?  Nor  the  Journal  of  Con- 
gress? One  would  think  that  this  momentous  Business  was  all  per- 
formed by  a few  rash  Individuals  and  private  Adventurers. 

History  is  not  the  Province  of  the  Ladies.  These  three  Volumes 
nevertheless  contain  many  Facts,  worthy  of  Preservation.  Little 
Passions  and  Prejudices,  want  of  Information,  false  Information, 
want  of  Experience,  erroneous  Judgment,  and  frequent  Partial- 
ity, are  among  the  Faults.  Other  Historians  shall  soon  be  exam- 
ined, by  your  faithful  Friend, 

John  Adams 


John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 

Quincy,  April  26,  1813 

Dear  Sir,  — Although  Governor  Gage’s  Prediction  to  General 
Jo.  Warren  has  not  yet  been  fully  accomplished  in  this  Country; 
yet  as  his  observation  was  suggested  by  History,  it  will  be  found 
too  just,  some  time  or  other.  Selfishness  has  disappointed  The 
Hopes  of  Patriotism  and  Philanthropy  in  all  Ages,  not  only  in 
England  at  the  Period  of  her  Commonwealth. 

Edes’s  Watertown  Gazette  shall  be  carefully  returned  to  you  or 
Mr.  Austin  if  he  requires  it. 

Had  your  Motion  in  Congress  been  adopted,  and  a Man  of 
Sense  and  Letters  appointed  in  each  State  to  collect  Memorials 
of  the  Rise  Progress  and  Termination  of  the  Revolution:  We 
should  now  Possess  a Monument  of  more  inestimable  Value  than 
all  the  Histories  and  Orations  that  have  been  written.  The  Few , 


JVarren- Adams  Letters 


381 


1813] 


if  they  are  not  more  selfish  than  the  Many,  are  more  cunning; 
and  all  the  Ages  of  the  World,  have  not  produced  such  glar- 
ing proofs  of  it,  as  the  History  of  this  Country  for  the  last  thirty 
years.  I look  back  with  Astonishment  at  the  Height  and  Depth, 
the  Length  and  Breadth  of  this  Stupendous  Fabrick  of  Artifice. 
If  I had  suspicions  of  the  Depravity  of  our  Politicians,  I had 
no  Idea  of  their  Genius.  That  Mr.  Jay,  the  President  of  Con- 
gress when  your  motion  was  made,  admired  it,  is  no  Surprize  to 
me.  His  head  could  conceive  and  his  heart  feel  the  importance 
of  it. 

Your  Allusion  to  the  Controversy  with  Governor  Hutchinson 
has  touch’d  me  to  the  quick.  I want  the  Journal  of  the  General 
Court,  which  contains  his  Speeches  and  the  Answers  his  Replica- 
tions and  your  Rejoinders.  These  were  printed  alltogether  in 
a Pamphlet.  But  I cannot  find  that  Pamphlet  nor  hear  of  it. 
Governor  Adams  once  showed  it  to  me,  and  Judge  Paine  men- 
tioned it  to  me,  a year  or  two  ago:  but  I dared  not  say  a word  to 
him  about  it,  much  less  to  ask  the  Loan  of  it. 

You,  my  Friend,  have  been  hurt  by  your  Country:  so  have  I. 
We  have  sacrificed  our  Lives  our  Families  our  Popularity,  our 
Reputations  our  Pleasures  our  Comforts  to  the  Publick:  while 
the  Politicians  have  accumulated  Fortunes,  Palaces  in  the  City 
and  Villas  in  the  Country.  It  is  in  my  opinion  our  duty  to  brave 
the  Imputation  of  Vanity  and  Egotism  by  recording  Facts  that 
no  other  human  Beings  know.  Our  Country  will  be  benefited  by 
it,  some  time  or  other.  There  are  a few  Anecdotes  which  I wish 
to  reduce  to  writing,  particularly  the  Impeachment  of  the  Judges 
and  the  Controversy  with  General  Brattle. 

You  talk  to  me  at  seventy-seven  Years  of  Age  of  Writing 
History.  If  I was  only  thirty,  I would  not  undertake  an  History 
of  the  Revolution  in  less  than  twenty  years.  A few  Facts  I wish  to 
put  upon  Paper:  and  an  Awful  Warning  to  do  it  soon  has  been 
given  me  by  the  Sudden  Death  of  our  Friend  Rush.  Livingstone 
and  Clymer  had  preceeded  him  in  the  same  Year;  the  same 
Spring.1  How  few  remain.  Three  in  Massachusetts  I believe  are  a 

1 Benjamin  Rush  died  April  19,  1813;  Robert  R.  Livingston,  February  26;  and  George 
Clymer,  January  23. 


382 


IVarren-  Adams  Letters  [1813 


Majority  of  the  Surviving  Signers  of  a Declaration  which  has 
had  too  much  Credit  in  the  World,  and  the  Expence  of  the  most 
of  its  Signers.1 

As  a Man  of  Science,  Letters,  Taste,  Sense,  Philosophy, 
Patriotism,  Religion,  Morality,  Merit,  Usefulness,  taken  all- 
together  Rush  has  not  left  his  equal  in  America,  nor  that  I know 
in  the  World.  In  him  is  taken  away,  and  in  a manner  most  sudden 
and  totally  unexpected  a main  Prop  of  my  Life.  “Why  should  I 
grieve  when  grieving  I must  bear?” 

I can  conceive  no  reason  why  Governor  Plumer  may  not  be 
furnished  with  every  Scratch  of  a Pen  relative  to  the  X,  Y,  and  Z 
Embassy.  I know  not  where  to  look  for  any  one  Paper  relative 
to  it. 

It  would  give  me  great  Pleasure  to  see  Commodore  Williams.2 
His  List  of  Prizes  would  be  very  acceptable.  I wish  he  would 
write  his  own  Life.  With  high  Esteem  and  strong  Affection, 

John  Adams 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  June  20,  1813 


Such  is  the  warlike  state  of  Nations  and  their  various  destinies, 
that  we  cannot  calculate  what  is  to  be  the  end  of  these  things, 
who  are  to  be  the  conquerors,  or  why  they  thus  destroy  each  other, 
but  thus  it  has  been  from  Age  to  Age,  and  will  continue  so,  as 
long  as  time  endures. 

Whether  Bonaparte  is  again  to  become  the  conqueror,  time 
must  decide. 

The  conduct  of  our  own  State  Government  cannot  surely  meet 
the  approbation  of  any  real  American.  I should  much  rather 
chuse,  that  the  Name  of  my  Family  should  be  blotted  from  the 
page  of  History,  than  appear  upon  Record  as  the  proposer  of 

1 Samuel  Adams  died  in  1803,  leaving  John  Adams,  Robert  Treat  Paine  and  Elbridge 
Gerry  the  surviving  Signers  from  Massachusetts.  Paine  and  Gerry  died  in  1814. 

2 John  Foster  Williams  (1743-1814),  but  he  does  not  appear  to  have  held  the  rank  of 
commodore. 


Warren -Adams  Letters 


383 


1813] 


such  a Resolution  as  past  the  Senate  in  their  late  Session.1  I do  not 
view  this  war,  as  waged  for  conquest,  or  ambition,  but  for  our 
injured  Rights,  for  our  freedom,  and  the  security  of  our  Independ- 
ence, and  therefore  shall  rejoice  when  any  Naval  victory,  or  mili- 
tary success  attend  upon  our  Arms,  which  may  give  us  any  hope  or 
prospect  of  Peace,  which  always  ought  to  be  the  object  aimed  at, 
and  I sincerely  believe  is  so  by  our  Government,  most  sincerely 
do  I wish  that  war  could  have  been  avoided. 

I inclose  to  you  for  your  perusal  several  Letters  from  my  son,2 
they  will  perhaps  give  you  a better  Idea  of  the  contending  powers 
than  I am  able  to.  you  will  be  so  good  as  to  return  them  when 
read. 

I am  dear  Madam  with  sentiments  of  Love  veneration  and 
esteem,  your  Friend, 

Abigail  Adams 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  July  nth,  1813 

My  Dear  Madam,  — I received  your  obliging  favour  with  the 
Letters  inclosed,  and  was  gratified  that  the  sentiments  which  they 
containd  met  your  cordial  approbation,  and  excited  congenial 
feelings  in  the  Bosoms  of  your  sons  — if  I may  judge  from  the 
marks  which  distinguish  them. 

I have  indeed  great  cause  for  pleasure  and  satisfaction,  in  the 
ability,  integrity,  and  fidelity  with  which  my  son  has  devoted 
himself  to  his  Country,  and  if  in  the  hand  of  providence  he  may 
be  instrumental  in  restoring  peace  to  it,  it  will  enhance  every 
other  pleasure  and  compensate  me  for  the  loss  I sustain  in  his 
company  and  society,  which  would  be  most  dear  to  both  his 
Father  and  Mother,  who  know  that  they  have  but  a short  space 
of  time  left  to  enjoy  it. 

Read,  my  dear  Madam,  the  inclosed  Letter,  which  altho  written 

1 The  Remonstrance  against  the  war  adopted  by  the  General  Court  June  15,  1813.  It 
is  printed  in  the  Columbian  Centinel,  June  23,  1813. 

2 John  Quincy  Adams. 


384 


//  "arren  - Adams  Letters  [1813 


more  than  a year  since,  I received  but  yesterday,  and  as  usual 
opened.  I rather  wonder,  when  it  containd  such  [cut]  kers,  that 
they  were  good  enough  to  forwafrd  cut ] the  account  of  the  Char- 
acters which  are  [cut]  for  any  political  information  which  it  con- 
tains. What  favorable  issue  can  we  expect  to  negotiation  with  a 
ministry  formed  of  such  Characters?  May  not  British  faith  bear  a 
parallel  with  Galic? 

I am  extreemly  grieved  at  the  party  violence  which  prevails, 
and  which  leads  to  such  disgracefull  outrages  as  that  committed 
upon  your  Son.  I hope  the  injury  not  so  great  as  you  at  first 
feard.  pray  let  me  hear  how  he  is.  There  is  yet  Law  and  I hope 
justice,  to  [punish]  such  offenders,  and  to  bind  them  to  good 
behaviour,  the  scripture  calls  for  an  eye,  for  an  eye,  yet  even  that 
will  not  restore  lost  sight. 

Since  I received  your  Letter  in  which  you  so  kindly  interest 
yourself  for  my  Dear  Daughter  Smith,  I have  received  a Letter 
from  my  Grandson  John  A.  Smith,  who  writes  to  me,  that  it  is 
his  Mother’s  most  earnest  wish  to  be  brought  to  Quincy,  and  that 
altho  for  six  weeks  she  has  not  been  able  to  get  across  her  Room, 
yet  he  thinks  she  has  gained  some  strength;  and  in  compliance 
with  her  desire  he  has  undertaken  to  journey  with  her  by  slow 
degrees,  and  if  possible  get  her  here,  which  will  relieve  my  mind 
of  that  constant  anxiety  which  I daily  have  to  know  how  she  is. 
her  son  gives  me  but  a melancholy  account  of  her  health.  I hope 
the  journey  and  change  of  air,  society  of  her  family  and  Friends, 
will  have  a favorable  effect. 

“God  tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  Lamb,”  Sterne  tell  us, 
and  all  our  troubles  in  this  Life  are  no  doubt  designed  for  salutary 
purposes,  with  them  is  blended  goodness  and  mercy  — and  with 
Jobe,  I would  say,  altho  he  slay  me,  I will  trust  in  him.  with  an 
affectionate  remembrance  to  all  your  family  I subscribe  yours  as 
ever, 


Abigail  Adams 


IVarren  - Adams  Letters  385 


1813] 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  Sep’br  5th,  1813 

My  dear  Madam,  — Your  kind  and  sympathetic  Letter  de- 
mands my  thanks,  and  receives  my  gratitude.  My  own  loss  is 
not  to  be  estimated  by  words,  and  can  only  be  alleviated  by  the 
consoling  belief  that  my  dear  Daughter  is  partakeing  of  that  Life 
and  immortality  brought  to  light  by  him,  who  endured  the  cross, 
and  is  gone  before  to  prepare  a place;  for  those  who  Love  him,  and 
keep  his  commandments.1 

Her  patience  submission,  and  Resignation  have  been  a lesson 
to  me,  neither  to  murmur  or  complain,  but  cheerfully  to  resign 
her  into  the  Hands  of  that  Being,  who  gave  her  to  me,  and  who 
certainly  had  the  best  right  to  remand  her,  gratefull  to  him,  that 
her  sufferings  were  so  soon  terminated. 

She  has  left  me  a treasure,  whose  conduct  upon  this  trying 
occasion,  exemplifies  her  faith  in  the  Religion  of  which  she  has 
been  early  in  Life  a public  professor,  and  the  precepts  of  which, 
its  promisses  and  rewards,  are  the  sources  to  which  she  resorts  for 
comfort,  deprived  thus  early  in  Life  of  a parent  who  was  devoted 
to  her,  and  to  whom  she  was  attached  by  the  strongest  ties  of 
fillial  Love  duty  and  gratitude. 

The  president  thanks  you  for  your  sympathy  with  him.  the 
precepts  of  phylosophy  may  teach  us  to  endure  what  the  laws 
of  the  universe  make  necessary,  it  may  infuse  stubborness  but 
Religion  alone  can  teach  submission  and  patience,  as  Johnson 
remarks. 

My  dear  Caroline  has  exprest  a wish  in  unison  with  your  own, 
and  gratefully  accepts  your  kind  invitation  to  visit  the  Ancient 
Friend  of  her  Mother,  and  of  her  Grandparents,  and  to  manifest 
to  you  the  Respect  and  Veneration  in  which  from  her  earliest 
years  she  has  been  instructed  to  hold  the  partial  Friend  of  her 
Mother.  It  would  give  me  pleasure  to  accompany  her,  but  I feel 
more  wedded  to  home  than  ever,  and  could  not  leave  the  Bereaved 
Father  a prey  to  solitude. 

I beg  leave  to  substitute  in  my  Room  an  other  Granddaughter, 
1 Abigail  (Adams)  Smith  died  August  15,  1813. 


386 


IVarren- Adams  Letters  [1813 


a good  girl  lively  and  affectionate.  She  is  very  desirious  of  paying 
her  respects  to,  and  being  noticed  by  a Lady  so  highly  and  so 
justly  respected  as  the  venerated  Friend  of  many  years,  the  long 
tried  and  Ancient  Friend  of  her  Grandparents.  She  is  the  Eldest 
Daughter  of  my  son  Charles  well  known  to  you  in  early  Life.1 

I regret  that  Mrs.  Adams,2  my  son  Thomas’s  wife,  cannot  have 
the  long  anticipated  pleasure  of  visiting  you  with  them,  as  she 
was  prepared  to  do,  when  yesterday  she  was  summond  to  Boston 
to  attend  the  funeral  of  her  sisters  child  — an  Infant  of  a year  old, 
suddenly  taken  out  of  Life,  by  the  disease  of  the  season. 

In  that  warfare  there  is  no  distinction. 

I have  not,  dear  Madam,  received  any  late  Letters  from  my 
son  in  Russia,  when  any  arrive  which  I can  communicate,  it  will 
be  a double  pleasure  to  know  that  my  Friend  will  share  it  with  me. 

Col.  Smith  the  respected  partner  of  my  late  dear  Daughter 
accompanies  the  Ladies,  and  will  do  himself  the  pleasure  of  waiting 
upon  you. 

be  assured  that  I am  what  I ever  have  been,  and  ever  shall  be 
your  affectionate  Friend, 

Abigail  Adams 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  September  12,  1813 

Sir,  — I was  much  gratified  by  seeing  your  signature  affixed 
to  a Letter  addressed  to  Mm.  Warren.  I am  also  gratified  and 
obliged  by  the  marks  of  your  attention  manifest  in  the  interesting 
inclosures  in  yours  under  date  September  1st,  one  of  which  deeply 
affected  me  as  a Sister.3  I have  for  many  years  known  your 

1 Charles  Adams  (1770-1800)  married  in  1795,  Sarah  Smith  (1769-1828).  Their  eldest 
daughter  Susanna  B.  (1796-1846)  married  (1)  Charles  Thomas  Clark  (1793-1818)  and  (2) 
William  R.  H.  Treadway  (1795-1836). 

2 Ann  (Harod)  Adams. 

3 A letter  from  Governor  McKean,  August  20,  1813,  in  which  he  wrote:  “In  the  Con- 
gress of  1765  there  were  several  conspicuous  characters:  Mr.  James  Otis  appeared  to  me 
to  be  the  boldest  and  best  speaker.  I voted  for  him  as  our  President,  but  Brigadier  Ruggles 
succeeded  by  one  vote,  owing  to  the  number  of  the  Committee  from  New  York,  as  we 
voted  individually:  when  the  business  was  finished  our  President  would  not  sign  the  peti- 
tions, and  peremptorily  refused  to  assign  any  reasons,  until  I pressed  him  so  hard  that  he 


TVarren  - Adams  Letters  387 


1813] 


respect  and  regard  for  a brother  so  justly  esteemed  by  his  connec- 
tions, his  friends  and  his  country.  No  American  knew  him  better 
than  the  author  of  the  dialogue,  nor  is  any  one  more  capable  of 
portraying  his  character  and  handing  it  down  to  posterity  than 
yourself. 

The  sketch  in  my  hand  in  connection  with  some  of  the  greatest 
actors  who  have  exhibited  their  parts  on  this  narrow  stage  of 
human  action,  is  a proof  of  your  correct  knowledge  of  history  and 
your  capacity  for  comparing  the  ages  of  Charlemagne,  Frederick 
the  Great,  Rousseau  and  Otis,  though  in  times  so  remote  from 
each  other,  and  drawing  the  results  of  their  sentiments  and  trans- 
actions and  the  operations  thereof  on  the  moral  conduct  of  man- 
kind in  our  own  age  and  in  that  of  Posterity. 

I have,  Sir,  availed  myself  of  the  liberty  you  gave  me  of  extract- 
ing or  copying  any  part  of  your  communications.  Depend  upon  it. 
I shall  make  no  improper  use  thereof,  though  I have  copied  the 
Dialogue  and  taken  a few  sentences  from  Govr.  McKean’s  letter. 
I should  as  you  enjoined  have  returned  the  Packet  earlier,  had  not 
my  own  Optics  been  too  weak  and  my  other  eyes  so  occupied, 
especially  in  the  last  six  days,  while  so  engaged  and  delighted  by  a 
visit  from  a part  of  your  family.  Lovely  Girls ! sent  by  Providence 
to  support  the  pillow  of  age,  while  nightly  recollecting  the  tomb 
that  encloses  the  most  amiable  of  daughters.  I am,  respected  Sir, 
with  all  due  regard  your  friend  1 

Mercy  Warren 

at  last  said,  ‘it  was  against  his  conscience ,’  on  which  word  I rung  the  change  so  loud,  that  a 
plain  challenge  was  given  by  him  and  accepted,  in  the  presence  of  the  whole  corps;  but  he 
departed  the  next  morning  before  day  without  an  adieu  to  any  of  his  brethren.  He  seemed 
to  accord  with  what  was  done  during  the  session  so  fully  and  heartily,  that  Mr.  Otis  told 
me  frequently  it  gave  him  surprise,  as  he  confessed  he  suspected  his  sincerity.” 

A second  enclosure  was  a “Dialogue  of  the  Dead,”  apparently  written  by  John  Adams 
“of  a musing  moment  of  an  evening  at  Richmond  Hill  when  Congress  sat  at  New  York  in 
1789,  immediately  after  the  arrival  of  the  news  of  Dr.  Franklin’s  death.”  As  Franklin 
died  April  17,  1790,  the  year  given  by  Mr.  Adams  was  in  error,  but  no  copy  of  the  Dialogue 
has  been  found. 

1 The  body  of  the  letter  is  by  a son  and  only  the  signature,  very  infirm,  is  by  Mrs. 
Warren. 


388 


Warren- Adams  Letters  [1813 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Quincy,  November  24,  1813 

Governor  McKean’s  notice  of  your  brother  I thought  worth 
preserving  in  your  family.  The  oddity  of  the  Dialogue  1 and  the 
particular  moment  of  its  composition,  were  the  circumstances  that 
made  it  rather  an  object  of  curiosity  than  use.  I think,  however, 
the  Traits  of  Character  are  correct. 

I know  not,  Madam,  what  your  Father,  your  Husband,  or  your 
Brother,  would  think  of  these  times.  A mighty  effort  of  nature 
is  in  operation  that  no  understanding  below  that  Providence  which 
superintends  and  directs  it  can  comprehend.  An  entire  separation, 
in  government  at  least,  between  America  and  Europe  seems  to  be 
commencing,  but  what  will  be  its  course,  when  and  how  it  will 
terminate,  and  what  influence  it  will  have  upon  Asia  and  Africa, 
no  living  man,  I believe,  will  pretend  to  foresee.  We  have  acted 
our  parts.  The  curtain  will  soon  be  drawn  upon  us.  We  must  leave 
the  future  to  that  Providence  which  has  protected  the  Past.  This 
sentiment  of  duty  and  interest,  I doubt  not,  Madam,  will  be 
approved  by  you,  as  I hope  it  is  realised  with  gratitude  and  entire 
confidence  and  submission  by  your  old  friend  and  respectful 
humble  Servant, 

John  Adams 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  December  22d,  1813 

Sir,  — Your  Letter  of  the  24th  ult.  ought  to  be  early  acknow- 
ledged by  one  who,  through  a long  life,  has  not  been  insensible  of 
the  worth  of  friendship,  or  negligent  whenever  in  her  power  to 
cherish  the  invaluable  treasure.  I am,  therefore,  delighted  to  see 
our  young  people  strengthening  each  other  in  that  disposition 
which  may  be  a source  of  happiness  to  them  as  they  tread  over 
the  stage  of  life  so  replete  with  trial  and  change. 

1 See  page  387,  supra.  This  letter  is  also  printed  in  5 Collections , iv.  504. 


ILarren  - Adams  Letters  389 


1813] 


The  pleasure  I received  from  Mrs.  Adams’  visit  with  her  excel- 
lent daughter  is  delightful  on  reflection.  Since  which  have  been 
much  gratified  by  a visit  from  the  surviving  partner  of  my  dear 
Mrs.  Smith  and  his  daughter.  You  inform  me  your  family  were 
pleased  with  their  visit,  which  leads  me  to  anticipate  another  in 
some  future  day. 

I thank  you  for  your  candor  and  the  interest  you  profess  for 
each  member  of  my  family,  and  particularly  for  your  expressions 
of  approbation  and  esteem  of  my  Mercy  Otis  Warren. 

It  is  impossible,  Sir,  for  you  and  myself  to  correspond  without 
recollecting  past  time,  when  my  father,  my  husband,  my  brother 
and  yourself  were  united  in  effort  to  emancipate  their  country 
from  the  yoke  of  foreign  domination.  I can  easily  conceive,  had 
you  not  mentioned  them,  how  pleasant  it  would  be  to  you  to  con- 
verse with  those  departed  worthies  in  this  day  of  present  difficulty 
and  distress  which  seems  to  have  pervaded  the  whole  habitable 
globe.  But  all  the  wisdom  and  virtues  of  your  former  associates  in 
the  great  struggle  which  we  have  witnessed  might  not  be  able  to 
extricate  from  present  evils,  though  with  unparalleled  wisdom 
and  success,  the  patriots  of  the  Revolution  finished  it  with  dig- 
nity to  themselves  and  with  the  hope  of  universal  benefit  to  man- 
kind. 

May  I ask  what  is  the  present  prospect  and  what  may  be  the 
termination  and  final  result  of  existing  commotions,  as  they  relate 
both  to  Europe  and  America?  You  have  wisely  and  seriously 
observed  in  your  last  that  “no  understanding  below  that  Providence 
which  superintends  and  directs  it,  can  comprehend  the  mighty  efforts 
of  nature  which  are  in  operation .”  Yet  it  may  not  be  improper  or 
impious  for  us  to  converse  on  the  adorable  goodness  that  has 
protected  in  one  age,  and  the  immense  power  and  wisdom  that 
permits  in  another  miseries  of  every  kind  to  overspread  the  un- 
grateful nations  which  have  not  duly  regarded  the  hand  of  the 
supreme  Governor  of  the  Universe  in  all  his  dispensations. 

I am  pleased  with  the  dialogue  sent  me.  It  evinces  at  once  your 
veneration  for  the  memory  of  your  former  friend  and  is  a just 
tribute  to  the  memory  of  a man  who  suffered  so  much  as  did  Mr. 
Otis  in  the  service  of  his  country.  The  great  characters  which 


39° 


barren -Adams  Letters  [1814 


your  imagination  has  grouped  together  in  the  regions  of  the  dead 
are,  I think,  correctly  portrayed.  They,  as  you  observe,  with 
regard  to  ourselves,  have  acted  their  parts:  when  the  curtain  is 
drawn  may  we  all  find  favor  before  the  Judge  of  all  the  Earth,  who 
will  do  right. 

As  a ship  from  Gottenberg  arrived  in  the  harbor  of  Plymouth 
yesterday,  my  son,  the  Postmaster,  had  the  pleasure  this  day  to 
forward  to  your  hand  a Letter  which  we  presume  was  from  your 
absent  Son.  Your  correspondence  with  him  is  among  the  rich 
treasures  you  enjoy  in  the  downhill  of  life.  I subscribe,  respected 
Sir,  your  aged  Friend  and  Humble  Servant 1 

Mercy  Warren 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  March  31,  1814 

I doubt  not,  Sir,  you  will  be  pleased  when  I tell  you  that  the 
Evening  of  my  Life  is  smoothed  by  the  intercourse  with  a number 
of  sensible,  pious,  elegant  correspondents.  Younger  than  myself, 
indeed  they  are;  but  there  are  yet  a few  left  who  stand  near  the 
grade  of  old  age  as  well  as  myself,  though  not  so  far  advanced. 
It  is  truly  a satisfaction  to  me  to  receive  letters  from  a Gentleman 
with  whom  I have  corresponded  for  near  half  a century,  and  to 
find  therein  the  same  flow  of  esteem,  friendship  and  confidence, 
which  used  to  drop  profusely  from  his  pen.  That  confidence  is 
strongly  exhibited  in  the  inclosure  of  yours  of  the  24th  Inst.  It  is, 
indeed,  a very  important  Letter.  The  communication,  however,  i§ 
safe  in  the  bosom  of  my  family. 

While  I congratulate  my  Country  that  she  has  such  an  Envoy  at 
this  important  crisis  at  the  Court  of  Petersburgh,  I must  again 
give  you  joy  that  you  have  a Son  so  capable  of  transacting  the 
great  affairs  of  Nations  and  of  the  World.  He  developes  the  in- 
trigues of  European  Courts  with  ease,  and  traces  their  Machia- 
velian  Politicians  with  accuracy.  He  writes  like  a Patriot,  a Politi- 

1 Not  even  the  signature  is  hers.  Letters  of  John  Adams  to  Mrs.  Warren,  February  2, 
and  March  24.,  1814,  is  in  5 Collections , iv.  505,  508. 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters 


1814] 


39 1 


cian,  and  a Christian;  but  it  is  not  possible  for  the  wisest  of  them 
all  to  calculate  on  the  mighty  Revolutions  and  astonishing 
changes  that  our  Children  may  see.  While  we  are  rapidly  passing 
beyond  the  vale,  what  a consolation  is  it  to  reflect  that  infinite 
goodness,  as  well  as  wisdom  and  power  sits  at  the  helm  of  Creation, 
where  this  world  would  appear  as  a pebble  to  them,  had  mankind 
the  intellect  and  the  permission  to  take  a view  of  it  from  the  third 
heaven. 

The  balm  of  sympathy  tendered  in  your  last  letter  was  grate- 
fully received  by  both  myself  and  my  children.  They  offer,  tho’ 
with  a tearful  eye,  their  high  consideration  of  respect  and  regard 
to  yourself  and  Mrs.  Adams,  who  have  felt  that  the  stricken  deer 
must  have  time  to  weep.  You  have  learnt  by  lessons  of  severity 
as  well  as  mercy  the  wisdom  and  peace  of  a resigned  frame  of 
spirit.  They  also  adore  the  hand  that  smites  them,  and  I trust 
will  meet  with  becoming  resignation  the  resumption  of  the  choic- 
est comforts  that  have  been  loaned  them  for  a time,  by  the  bene- 
ficent being  who  gives  all  things  in  just  measure. 

An  admonitory  sentence  from  one  who  has  parted  with  the 
most  amiable  of  Children,  and  has  seen  other  comforts  withering 
around  him,  will  even  be  advantageous  to  those  who  are  seeking 
after  improvement  in  that  wisdom  which  is  from  above. 

I anticipate  the  pleasure  of  Mrs.  Adam’s  letter,  not  only  on 
account  of  the  promise  you  made  relative  to  her  anecdotes  of 
Madam  de  Stael,  but  for  the  many  pleasant  things  I always  find 
in  her  letters,  which  are  always  fraught  with  hints  for  moral  and 
religious  improvement,  that  the  feeble  mind  of  mortals  stands  in 
need  of.  The  polite  compliment  from  the  Baron  in  the  French 
stile  was  perhaps  no  more  than  was  due  to  your  Lady,  but  the 
bloom  of  an  Angel  when  applied  to  your  daughter  would  have 
diminished  in  his  eye,  had  he  been  acquainted  with  the  intellectual 
charms  of  my  lovely  friend. 

A Gentleman  may  be  indulged  in  a little  vanity  as  well  as 
gaiety,  when  contemplating  the  blessings  of  his  own  house,  more 
especially  when  writing  to  one  truly  attached  to  each  member 
thereof. 

I return  your  son’s  letter  with  the  spirit  of  those  who  still  cry 


392 


IVarren  -Adams  Letters  [1814 


more,  more,  however  much  good  they  receive.  To  the  sweet  Girls 
of  your  family  name  affectionately  your  Friend  1 

Mercy  Warren 


Abigail  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren 

Quincy,  May  the  5th,  1814 

Dear  Madam,  — I most  sincerely  sympathize  with  you  and  the 
Bereved  distrest  Family  at  Washington,  in  the  dispensation  of 
heaven  which  has  broken  assunder  the  last  paternal  ligament; 
and  left  you  the  only  surviving  pillar,  of  the  once  numerous 
edifice.2 

To  us,  who  in  the  course  of  nature  expect,  and  hope  to  join  the 
spirits  of  the  just;  are  consolations,  which  to  the  bereved  Widow; 
and  Children,  are  more  distant  and  remote;  for  they  may  survive, 
to  feel  all  the  anguish,  of  a long  seperation;  and  to  lament  the  loss, 
of  a tender,  affectionate,  attentive,  Husband,  and  doating  Father. 

He  died  at  his  post,  probably  a sacrifice  to  over  exertion,  and 
too  great  a weight,  and  press  of  Business;  for  his  years,  he  died, 
with  the  Love,  respect,  and  esteem  of  his  Country,  having  for 
twenty-five  years,  exhibited,  a strikeing  example  of  attention  and 
punctuality  worthy  imitation.  If  we  live  to  old  Age,  “string  after 
string  is  severed  from  the  heart”  untill,  as  one  expresses  it,  we 
have  scarcly  anything  left  to  resign,  but  Breath. 

To  a mind  elevated  and  endowed  like  your  own,  full  of  confi- 
dence and  hope,  you  can  look  through  nature  to  Natures  God  and 
trust  the  Ruler  of  the  skies,  sure  that  all  events  are  permitted  and 
contrould,  by  infinite  wisdom,  justice,  and  Benevolence. 

The  circumstance  of  loosing  a Friend  distant  from  home,  must 
add  to  the  pain  of  my  dear  Relative,  and  her  return  to  her  own 
habitation,  be  solitary  indeed.  Mr.  Otis  was  a most  pleasant 
companion,  both  at  home,  and  abroad. 

when  at  Philadelphia,  I lived  in  constant  habits  of  intimacy, 
and  Friendly  intercourse  with  the  Family,  and  was  witness  to  the 
cheerfulness  and  urbanity  of  his  manners,  which  in  public  Life 

1 Only  the  signature  is  hers.  2 Samuel  Alleyne  Otis,  died  April  22,  1814. 


1814] 


JVarren -Adams  Letters 


393 


secured  him  against  the  shafts  of  malice,  he  was  always  moderate, 
and  never  imposed  his  own  opinions  upon  those  who  dissented 
from  him  upon  political  Questions,  he  was  firm  in  his  own,  and 
decided,  but  left  others  the  same  Liberty,  accordingly  for  twenty- 
five  years  that  he  acted  as  Secretary  to  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States,  amidst  all  the  conflicts  of  party,  he  retaind,  the  Love  and 
Esteem  of  that  Body. 

I need  not  say  to  you,  who  so  well  know  his  Character,  that 
he  adorned  the  Doctrine  which  he  professed,  as  a Christian  Liberal, 
candid,  and  Charitable. 

His  uniform  habits  of  temperance  and  sobriety  and  uninter- 
rupted Health,  gave  him  a vigor,  which  promised  a much  longer 
duration,  and  made  him  dear  to  his  Family  and  Friends,  few  of 
the  infirmities  of  Age  were  discoverable  in  him.  his  loss  will  be 
most  heavily  felt,  by  his  partner  and  his  dear  daughters. 

I know,  my  dear  Madam,  you  will  offer  to  them,  all  the  sym- 
pathy, and  consolation  which  your  own  experience  can  suggest, 
and  which  supported  you  through  a similar  trying  scene. 

That  you  may  still  enjoy  the  consolations  and  support  of  the 
most  High,  and  finally  be  received  to  the  Mansions  of  the  blest,  is 
ardently  hoped  for  By  your  affectionate  Friend, 

Abigail  Adams 


John  Adams  to  Elbridge  Gerry 

Quincy,  July  4,  1814 

My  dear  Friend,  — I have  received  your  kind  letter  of  the 
30th  of  June  with  emotions,  which  it  would  be  in  vain  for  me  to 
attempt  to  describe.  My  Attendance  at  Lexington  is  out  of  all 
question:  the  State  of  my  health  renders  it  both  morally  and 
physically  impossible. 

I dare  not  express  even  to  you,  in  a confidential  private  Letter, 
my  recollections,  my  reflections,  my  feelings  or  Opinions,  on  this 
day  and  these  times. 

Five  and  forty  years  ago,  when  any  terrible  News  arrived  from 
England  of  their  hostile  designs  against  our  Liberties,  when  the 


394 


IV arren  -Adams  Letters  [1814 


people  gaping  and  stareing,  pale  and  trembling  asked  me,  “What 
I thought  of  the  News,”  my  invariable  Answer  was,  “The  worse, 
the  better.” 

Nothing  ever  did  arrouse  this  People,  but  the  last  and  extream- 
est  expression  and  Exertion  of  the  Contempt,  the  Malice  and 
Vengeance  of  Great  Britain,  and  this,  in  my  Opinion  We  shall 
soon  see  and  feel. 

My  Son,  just  beginning  to  be  convalescent  from  a very  severe 
and  dangerous  Sickness  which  has  reduced  him  very  low,  has  gone 
to  Rhode  Island  for  his  health,  your  invariable  Friend 

John  Adams 


Mercy  Warren  to  John  Adams  Adams  mss. 

Plymouth,  July  10,  1814 

It  is  very  many  days  since  I addressed  a line  to  any  of  my 
Quincy  friends,  and  as  I think  I have  been  sometime  in  arrears 
for  a very  agreeable  Letter  from  the  late  President,  my  first 
attention  is  due  to  him.  I am  quickened  to  discharge  this  obliga- 
tion from  having  recently  heard  by  my  sister  Otis  that  your 
health  is  declining.  The  years  you  have  counted  up  admonish 
that  the  harbingers  of  dissolution  are  drawing  near  after  three 
score  and  ten.  Yet  I most  sincerely  hope  that  the  life  of  a Gentle- 
man who  acted  so  great  a part  in  a revolution  that  astonished 
the  world  and  lived  to  set  his  seal  to  an  honorable  peace  after  a 
desolating  war,  may  be  spared  to  see  peace  again  restored  to  the 
United  States,  notwithstanding  the  severe  threats  of  our  old  in- 
veterate enemy. 

I should  like  very  much  to  hear  your  observations  on  the  gloomy 
aspect  of  the  times.  I am  disposed  to  ask  you  very  many  ques- 
tions which  a Letter  cannot  contain.  I sit  in  my  elbow  chair  in  the 
old  corner  and  were  you  and  Mrs.  Adams  and  Mrs.  Warren  again 
to  meet  there  before  we  meet  in  the  eternal  world,  I think  the 
conversation  of  this  trio  would  be  neither  unpleasing  nor  unprofit- 
able. What  think  you,  Sir,  of  a little  jaunt  to  Plymouth  in  com- 
pany with  Mrs.  Adams  and  my  sweet  Caroline?  The  ride  might 


i8i4] 


JVarren  -Adams  Letters 


395 


contribute  to  your  health  and  to  that  of  my  long  tried  friend,  your 
excellent  partner.  I am  told  that  my  amiable  young  friend  just 
mentioned  contemplates  a distant  residence  from  that  of  her 
Grand-Parents.  I expect  to  see  her  before  she  spreads  her  wings 
for  the  Southward.  I cannot  close  this  without  inquiring  when  and 
what  you  hear  from  the  Ambassador  at  the  Court  of  Petersburg? 

My  next  question,  Sir,  you  may  deem  impertinent.  Do  you 
remember  who  was  the  author  of  a little  pamphlet  entitled  the 
Group?  To  your  hand  it  was  committed  by  the  writer.  You 
brought  it  forward  to  the  public  eye.  I will  therefore  give  you 
my  reason  for  naming  it  now.  A friend  of  mine  who  lately  visited 
the  Athenaeum  saw  it  among  a bundle  of  pamphlets  with  a high 
encomium  on  the  Author  who,  he  asserted,  was  Mr.  Samuel 
Barrett.  You  can,  if  you  please,  give  a written  testimony  con- 
tradictory of  this  false  assertion. 

You  and  Mr.  Gerry  are  the  only  surviving  Gentlemen  that  I 
recollect,  who  know  anything  of  the  character,  the  manners,  the 
movements,  and  a thousand  circumstances  that  took  place  and 
occupied  the  attention  of  the  Patriots  who  struggled  and  suffered 
in  the  cause  of  their  Country  from  1765  to  1783,  when  the  instru- 
ment of  Independence  signed  by  yourself  and  others  was  acknow- 
ledged by  foreign  nations. 

Am  I mistaken  when  I observe  that  the  generations  of  men 
which  have  since  arisen  have  been  too  notoriously  negligent  in 
their  enquiries  relative  to  the  principles  and  the  foundation  of 
the  rights  and  liberties  acquired  by  the  labours  and  blood  of 
their  Ancestors,  that  with  few  exceptions  they  appear  a very 
ignorant  and  narrow  minded  people.  I forbear  to  say  more  on 
this  or  any  other  subject,  lest  I should  trespass  on  your  patience. 
With  the  most  cordial  wishes  for  the  restoration  of  your  health 
and  my  affectionate  regards  to  Mrs.  Adams,  to  Susan,  Caroline 
and  others  of  your  family,  subscribes  respectfully  your  Friend 
and  Humble  Servant 1 

Mercy  Warren 

1 The  entire  letter  is  in  the  writing  of  her  son.  On  July  15  John  Adams  replied  and  the 
letter  is  in  Writings  of  John  Adams,  x.  98.  A second  letter  from  Mrs.  Warren,  August  4, 
1814,  is  in  5 Collections,  iv.  509,  and  was  the  last  letter  she  wrote  to  Mr.  Adams.  She  died 
October  19,  1814. 


396  JVarren -Adams  Letters  [1814 


John  Adams  to  Mercy  Warren  Adams  mss. 

Quincy,  August  17,  1814 

DearMadam, — I have  certified  in  the  book  in  the  Athenaeum  that 
to  my  certain  knowledge,  The  Group  was  written  by  Mrs.  Warren. 

Your  polite  invitation  to  Plymouth  is  esteemed  as  an  effusion  of 
friendship,  ancient  and  modern:  but  three  score  and  nineteen 
years  have  reduced  me  to  the  situation,  the  temper  and  humor  of 
Mr.  Selden,  who  Clarendon  says,  would  not  have  slept  out  of  his 
own  bed  for  any  office  the  King  could  have  given  him. 

The  difference  of  Character  and  Conduct  in  New  England  for 
the  last  fifty  years  is  not  so  great  in  reality  as  in  appearance. 

The  Tories  had  the  ascendancy  from  1761  to  1775  and  then 
1775  and  1776  scarcely  turned  the  majority.  Through  the  whole 
Revolution  the  Tories  sat  on  our  skirts  and  were  a dead  weight, 
obstructing  and  embarrassing  all  our  Efforts.  They  have  now 
the  entire  dominion  of  the  five  states  of  New  England.  Stoning- 
ton,  however,  appears  to  have  shaken  off  their  yoke,  and  New 
York  is  setting  a good  Example. 

Could  you  have  believed  forty  years  ago  that  in  so  short  a time 
Plymouth,  Duxbury  and  Boston,  would  have  been  rivalled  and 
exceeded  by  New  York  in  Patriotism,  Fortitude  and  Courage? 

I do  not  consider  the  peace  in  Europe  as  yet  concluded.  The 
great  questions  of  the  Liberty  of  the  Scheldt,  of  Ostend,  Nieuport, 
Bruges,  etc.,  are  still  to  be  discussed  in  a Congress  of  Ambassadors 
at  Vienna,  and  other  questions  too  numerous  to  be  mentioned. 

The  War  between  Protestantism  and  Catholicism  lasted  thirty 
years,  i.  e.,  from  1618  to  1648.  The  War  between  Republican- 
ism and  Despotism  has  already  reached  thirty-nine  years.  The 
religious  war  is  not  yet  ended.  When  the  political  war  will  ter- 
minate must  be  left  to  him  who  rules  the  armies  of  Heaven. 

In  one  thing  I am  clear.  If  the  war  continues  between  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States,  as  I believe  it  will,  it  will  soon 
rekindle  the  flames  in  Europe.  . . . 

The  alarm  in  Plymouth  had  no  share  in  their  [the  children’s] 
early  return  to  the  mansion  of  your  old  Friend 


John  Adams 


Appendix 


Appendix 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Plymo.  Novr.  the  8th,  1772 

Dear  Sir,  — I Received  yours  of  the  4th  Instant 2 with  the  more  pleas- 
ure as  the  Contents  Exhibit  Instances  of  that  Spirit  in  your  Town  still  re- 
maining and  reviving  I hoped  to  the  Salvation  of  this  poor  Country,  after 
a Languor  and  feebleness  which  has  discouraged  almost  every  good  man 
in  it.  May  it  Increase,  flourish  and  be  diffused  in  every  Breast  till 
Tyranny  shall  Tremble  at  the  Foundation  and  Tyrants  call  on  the  Rocks 
and  Mountains  to  Cover  them.  After  I left  Boston  for  so  long  a time  and 
heard  of  no  steps  taken  as  proposed  when  I was  there,  I must  own  my 
sanguine  Hopes  were  succeeded  by  a despondency  Bordering  on  despair, 
and  when  I heard  of  a meeting  of  your  Town,  tho’  my  Expectations  were 
raised,  yet  I could  not  easily  conceive  what  measures  you  would  fall  upon. 
Embarrassd  as  you  are  by  the  Timidity  of  Friends,  and  the  Intrigues 
and  power  of  professd  Enemies,  Internal  and  External,  I hoped  however 
much  from  your  firm  and  unshaken  Constancy  and  ardour  which  to  your 
Honour  I never  yet  saw  damp’d.  The  Leading  Steps  you  took  are  I think 
very  well,  as  they  serve  the  purposes  both  of  Strengthing  your  Interest 
and  holding  him  [Hutchinson]  up  in  his  proper  colours,  his  Answer  to  your 
first  Message  is  thought  Insolent,  that  to  your  last  Stupid,  the  General 
plan  you  have  finally  adopted,  if  it  takes  in  the  other  Towns  in  general 
and  is  supported  with  Spirit,  I think  will  produce  great  Consequences  and 
I don’t  know  but  Considering  all  Circumstances  is  the  least  the  Times 
will  Admit  of.  it  may  answer  the  same  purposes  to  the  Body  Politick  as 
removing  Obstructions  and  promoting  a free  Circulation  does  to  the 
Body  Natural  — Eradicate  the  seeds  of  the  distemper  and  restore  Health. 
I am  now  to  acquaint  you  that  I have  talkd  with  many  of  my  Townsmen 
since  I received  your  Letter  and  have  the  pleasure  to  find  their  Pulse 
beating  high  and  their  Resentment  equal  to  any  I can  suppose  you  have 
found  in  other  Towns.  I believe  I shall  have  no  difficulty  in  geting  at 
meeting  here  and  carrying  the  point  to  second  you  as  proposed.  One 
thing  you  may  be  assured  of,  no  Assiduity  in  me  shall  be  wanting.  I am 
Ballanceing  in  my  mind  whether  to  Attempt  it  before  we  receive  your 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  11,  supra. 


400 


Appendix 


[1772 


Letter  and  report,  or  wait  till  then.  Some  reasons  determine  me  to  the 
last,  however,  shall  consult  my  Friends  here,  and  should  be  glad  to  hear 
from  you  on  the  subject  again.  I cant  but  wonder  that  none  of  your 
Neighbouring  Towns  have  Catched  the  glow,  perhaps  it  is  designed  they 
should  have  before  them  a full  view  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Metropolis. 
You  will  please  to  Excuse  the  Inaccuracies  of  this  which  is  wrote  in  a 
Hurry  to  a Friend  whose  Candour  is  always  ready  to  overlook  faults  that 
dont  proceed  from  a wicked  Heart.  I am  with  great  Sincerity  Your 
Friend  and  Humbl.  Servt. 

Jas:  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Plymo.  Novt.  17th,  1772 

Dear  Sir,  — I have  the  pleasure  of  Incloseing  a Copy  of  a Petition, 
handed  to  me  yesterday  as  one  of  the  Selectmen  of  this  Town,  the 
Petition  was  signed  by  Capt.  Thos.  Jackson  and  a hundred  other  reputable 
Inhabitants,  and  at  the  same  time  Inform  you  that  the  selectmen  have  in 
Consequence  of  it  Issued  their  Warrants  for  a Meeting  of  the  Town  on 
this  day  week,  which,  so  far  as  we  have  gone,  I hope  will  fully  answer 
your  Expectations  from  your  Mother  Plymouth  and  Justify  my  Engage- 
ments of  Assiduity,  etc.  I can  only  add  at  present  that  the  sentiments  of 
the  people  here  are  very  different  from  the  Tory  Representations  you 
mention,  they  feel  and  Resent  both  the  Indignities  and  Injuries  repeatedly 
offerd  them,  and  see  the  fatal  Consequences  of  this  last  Ministerial 
Maneovre.  I should  be  glad  to  hear  again  from  you  soon,  and  that  you 
would  furnish  me  with  any  materials  for  Conducting  this  matter  so  as 
best  to  serve  a good  Cause,  it  is  the  desire  of  the  Petitioners  that  their 
Petition  may  be  Inserted  in  the  Papers,  which  I dare  say  you  will  have  no 
Objection  to,  even  if  it  gives  you  the  trouble  of  seeing  it  done.2  I am  in 
great  Haste  your  assured  Friend  and  Humbl.  Servt. 

Jas:  Warren 

I desire  you  would  send  home  my  Collegue  to  do  his  duty  on  this  and 
other  Occasions.3 


1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

3 Vol.  1.  12 n,  supra.  3 Isaac  Lothrop. 


Appendix 


1772] 


40 1 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams1 

Plymo.,  Deer,  the  8th,  1772 

Dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  disturbance  I have  the  pleasure  of  re- 
ceiveing  two  Letters  from  your  Town  to  the  Selectmen  of  the  several 
Towns  in  this  County,  which  I have  distributed  to  them  with  a degree  of 
pleasure  that  might  be  sufficient  to  render  an  Apology  for  giveing  me  any 
Trouble  unnecessary,  what  Consequences  they  may  produce  I cant  yet 
determine.  I shant  fail  to  Exert  myself  to  have  a s many  Towns  as  possible 
meet,  but  fear  the  Bigger  part  of  them  will  not.  they  are  Dead  and  the 
Dead  cant  be  raised  without  a Miracle.  I am  sensible  that  the  Tories 
spare  no  pains  (as  you  say)  to  disparage  the  measures  which  with  their 
other  Conduct  shews  their  Apprehensions.  They  are  Nettled  much,  the 
Great  Sachem  of  Chessemuttuck  wrote  to  one  of  his  Tools  here  to  observe 
and  give  him  a perticular  Account  of  all  our  proceedings  and  especially  for 
a Copy  of  the  warrant  for  the  meeting.  The  Enjoying  £400  per  annum 
Undisturbed  by  the  Clamour  of  the  Rabble,  tho  it  be  the  wages  of  Un- 
righteousness is  an  Object  of  no  small  Consequence  to  a Poor  Sachem  who 
had  spent  all  his  Wampum  and  must  appear  in  state  equal  to  the  Noble 
Blood  runing  in  his  Veins,  the  Letter  of  our  Committee  of  Communi- 
cation to  yours  gives  you  the  proceedings  of  our  Town  so  far  as  they  have 
yet  gone,  you  may  depend  upon  it  the  whole  will  be  of  a piece  with  this, 
the  Hingham  Letter,  whether  the  produce  of  a Hingham  Genius  or 
fabricated  in  the  Cabal,  is  a low  dirty  Business  founded  upon  the  Pillars 
and  chief  Corner  Stones  of  the  Tory  Cause.  Misrepresentation,  or  rather 
Lies  and  Scandal  and  defamation,  however,  a young  Fellow  here  of  a 
riseing  and  promiseing  Genius,  I thought,  might  begin  his  Operations 
upon  this  Occasion  and  has  taken  him  in  hand,  and  done  pretty  well  for 
the  first.  I am  glad  to  see  in  the  last  Spy  the  Motions  in  Marblehead.  I 
wish  the  measure  would  take  a general  run.  why  does  it  Labour  so  in 
Roxbury.  that  damps  the  Spirit  in  some  other  Towns.  I hope,  however, 
it  will  terminate  well  there,  do  give  me  (in  your  next)  what  well  Grounded 
hopes  you  have  of  success,  and  let  me  know  if  there  has  been  any  dis- 
sentions  among  the  friends  to  the  good  Cause  and  perticularly  between 
you  and  Otis.  I have  Occasion  for  frequent  and  perticular  Intelligence  to 
discountenance  the  Tory  lies  of  the  day.  It  is  Court  Week.  I am  obliged 
to  write  in  a great  Hurry  and  must  now  Conclude.2  Your  Sincere  Freind 
and  Humbl.  Servt. 

Jas:  Warren 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 See  Vol.  1.  14,  supra. 


402 


Appendix 


[1772 


To  Mr.  Adams  Adams  mss. 

[By  Mercy  Warren] 

Though  short!  Far  short  my  pen  of  the  sublime 
That  urges  on  and  bids  me  write  in  Rhyme. 

And  hope  my  Friend  the  Effort  will  Excuse 

Nor  Blame  the  Heart:  but  check  the  Niggard  Muse. 

Is  it  a Wild  Enthupostick1  Flame, 

That  swells  the  Bosom  panting  after  Fame, 

Dilates  the  Mind:  with  every  sails  unfurl’d, 

To  catch  the  plaudit  of  a Gazing  World. 

Is  there  no  permanent,  no  steady  pole, 

To  point  us  on,  and  Guide  the  Wandring  soul. 

Does  prejudice  and  passion  Rule  Mankind. 

Are  there  no  springs  that  actuate  the  Mind 
Whose  deep  Meanders  have  some  Nobler  source 
Than  Vain  self  Love,  to  Guide  their  Winding  Course. 

That  Gen’rous  Ardor  stiled  Benevolence, 

Is  it  an  Art  to  Gratify  the  sense 
Or  Give  imagination  further  scope, 

That  aeiry  queen,  who  Guides  the  Helm  of  hope 
Holds  A False  Mirrour  to  the  Dazzel’d  sight, 

A Dim  perspective,  A Delusive  Light, 

That  swells  the  Bubbles  of  Life’s  shortned  span, 

While  Wisdom  smiles  at  the  Deluded  Man. 

Wrap’d  in  Extaticks,  by  imagin’d  Fame, 

When  the  next  Moment  Will  Blot  out  his  Name. 

Can’t  the  Wise  precepts  of  A platos  school 
(or  shall  I Name  a still  more  perfect  Rule) 

Rouze  up  the  soul,  to  that  Exalted  Height, 

To  Walk  by  Reason,  And  Reject  the  Cheat: 

Or  are  the  Fetters  that  Enslave  the  Mind 
Of  that  Firm  Base,  that  Adamantine  kind, 

So  Firmly  Lock’d,  and  so  securely  Reve’d, 

The  more  we  search,  the  More  are  we  Deceived. 

Are  Truth,  and  Friendship,  no  where  to  be  Found, 

And  patriot  Virtue  Nothing  but  a Sound 
Then  May  A Cesar  Equal  Honour  Claim 
With  Noble  Brutus,  celebrated  Name, 

1 Thus  in  the  text  but  an  unknown  word.  Cf.  entheus,  imagination. 


1773] 


Appendix 


403 


For  the  poor  tribute  of  a short  applause. 

One  stabs  A tyrant  trampling  on  the  Laws, 
While  the  proud  Despot  Marks  his  Baneful  Way 
With  Virtue’s  tears,  and  triumphs  or’e  his  prey. 
Self  the  sole  point  in  which  they’r  both  agreed. 
By  this  Rome’s  shackled,  or  by  this  she’s  Freed. 

Self  Love,  that  stimulus  to  Noblest  Aims, 

Bids  Nero  Light  the  Capitol  in  Flames, 

Or  Bids  FI 1 sell  his  Native  Land 

And  his  Vile  Brother  lend  his  perjur’d  Hand. 
While  Fredom  weeps  and  Heav’n  delays  to  shed 
Its  awful  Vengeance  on  the  Guilty  Head. 

If  such  is  Life,  And  Fancy  throw  the  Bowl, 

If  appetite  and  caprice  Rule  the  Whole, 

If  Virtuous  Friendship  has  no  solid  Base, 

But  False  Deception  holds  the  sacred  place, 
Then  from  thy  Mem’ry  Race  out  every  Line 
Nor  Recolect  one  sentiment  of  mine 
But  Dark  Oblivion,  sable  Veil  Draw  ore, 

And  I’ll  Forbear  to  interupt  the  more. 

For  if  Vice  Boasts  her  origin  the  same, 

With  social  joy  and  patriotic  Flame, 

Then  I must  Wish  to  bid  the  World  Farewell, 
Turn  Anchorit  and  choose  some  Lonely  Cell 
Beneath  some  peaceful  Hermitage  Reclin’d 
To  Weep  the  Misery  of  all  Mankind, 
till  Days  and  Years,  till  time  shall  cease  to  roll 
And  truth  Eternal  strike  the  Wond’ring  soul. 

Plimouth,  October  11,  1 773. 


John  Adams  to  James  Warren 

Boston  Dec'r.  17,  1773 

Dear  Sir,  — The  Dye  is  cast:  The  People  have  passed  the  River  and 
cutt  away  the  Bridge : last  Night  Three  Cargoes  of  Tea,  were  emptied  into 
the  Harbour.  This  is  the  grandest  Event,  which  has  ever  yet  happened 
since  the  Controversy,  with  Britain,  opened! 

The  Subimity  of  it,  charms  me! 

For  my  own  Part,  I cannot  express  my  own  Sentiments  of  it,  better 
1 The  capital  H is  nearly  erased.  It  refers  to  Hutchinson. 


404 


Appendix 


[1773 


than  in  the  Words  of  Coll.  Doane  1 to  me,  last  Evening  — Balch  2 should 
repeat  them.  The  worst  that  can  happen,  I think,  says  he  in  Consequence 
of  it,  will  be  that  the  Province  must  pay  for  it.  Now,  I think  the  Province 
may  pay  for  it,  if  it  is  burn’d  as  easily  as  it  is  drank  — and  I think  it 
is  a matter  of  indifference  whether  it  is  drank  or  drowned.  The  Province 
must  pay  for  it,  in  either  Case.  But  there  is  this  Difference.  I believe  it 
will  take  them  10  Years  to  get  the  Province  to  pay  for  it  — if  so,  we  shall 
Save  10  Years  Interest  of  the  Money.  Whereas  if  it  is  drank  it  must  be 
paid  for  immediately,  thus  He.  However,  He  agreed  with  me  that  the 
Province  would  never  pay  for  it,  and  also  in  this,  that  the  final  Ruin  of 
our  Constitution  of  Government,  and  of  all  American  Liberties,  would  be 
the  certain  Consequence  of  Suffering  it  to  be  landed. 

Governor  Hutchinson  and  his  Family  and  Friends  will  never  have  done 
with  their  good  services  to  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies!  But  for  him, 
this  Tea  might  have  been  Saved  to  the  East  India  Company.  Whereas 
this  Loss  if  the  rest  of  the  Colonies  should  follow  our  Example,  will  in  the 
opinion  of  many  Persons  bankrupt  the  Company.  However,  I dare  say, 
that  the  Governors,  and  Consignees,  and  Custom  House  Officers,  in  the 
other  Colonies  will  have  more  Wisdom  than  ours  have  had,  and  take 
effectual  Care  that  their  Tea  shall  be  sent  back  to  England  untouched,  if 
not  it  will  as  surely  be  destroyed  there  as  it  has  been  here.  . 

Threats,  Phantoms,  Bugbears,  by  the  million,  will  be  invented  and 
propagated  among  the  People  upon  this  Occasion.  Individuals  will  be 
threatned  with  Suits  and  Prosecutions.  Armies  and  Navies  will  be  talked 
of  and  military  Execution.  Charters  annull’d,  Treason,  Tryals  in  England 
and  all  that.  But  — these  Terms  are  all  but  Imaginations.  Yet  if  they 
should  become  Realities  they  had  better  be  Suffered,  than  the  great 
Principle  of  Parliamentary  Taxation  given  up. 

The  Town  of  Boston  was  never  more  Still  and  calm  of  a Saturday  night 
than  it  was  last  Night.  All  Things  were  conducted  with  great  order, 
Decency  and  perfect  Submission  to  Government.  No  Doubt,  we  all  thought 
the  Administration  in  better  Hands,  than  it  had  been. 

Please  to  make  Mrs.  Adams’s  most  respectfull  Compliments  to  Mrs. 
Warren  and  mine.  I am  your  Friend, 

John  Adams 


1 Elisha  Doane  (1732). 


2 Nathaniel  Balch. 


1774] 


Appendix 


405 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Plymo.,  July  1,  1774 

My  Dear  Sir,  — Beware  of  the  Ides  of  March  was  a Caution  given  to 
Cesar  and  his  Neglect  of  it  afterwards  regretted  by  his  Friends,  let  me 
Intreat  you  not  to  Neglect  the  Cautions  given  by  your  Friends,  his  rid 
the  world  of  a Tyrant  and  yours  may  deprive  your  Country  of  the 
Wisdom  and  vertue  of  a distinguished  Patriot.  I feel  the  Emotions  of  a 
Friend  when  I Consider  the  hazard  you  and  some  others  may  be  Exposed 
to.  we  have  Just  received  the  Spy  of  yesterday  with  the  Extraordinary 
Proclamation,2  which  will  save  me  some  trouble  in  one  way  if  it  Occasion 
some  in  Another.  We  have  been  Embarrassed  with  a division  about  the 
Covenant,  but  I think  this  will  remove  the  Difficulties  and  believe  we 
shall  get  it  signed  by  Tomorrow.  Mr.  Thomas  3 waits  and  can  add  no 
more,  but  desire  you  to  be  referred  to  him  for  further  perticulars.  You 
will  find  him  a young  Gentleman  after  your  own  Heart,  which  from  me  is 
a warm  recommendation.  I am  with  great  sincerity  your  Friend,  etc. 

Jas:  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  4 

Plymo.,  July  the  10th,  1774 

My  Dear  Sir,  — The  day  after  I wrote  to  you  by  Mr.  Thomas  we  had 
a very  full  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  and  after  a debate  voted  (by  a 
large  Majority)  to  adopt  the  Covenant  as  it  came  to  us,  with  only  a very 
small  Alteration,  when  about  seventy  signed  it.  since  which  by  the 
Intrigues  of  our  Friend  Spooner  chiefly  it  has  been  at  a stand,  and  diffi- 
culties have  multiplied  upon  us.  it  is  now  takeing  a start  and  the  Number 
of  signers  has  Increased  to  about  a hundred.  I hope  finally  we  shall  re- 
trieve our  Credit  and  I shall  be  able  to  give  a good  Account  of  my  Town. 
Experience  has  often  taught  you  the  difficulty  of  reasoning  People  into 
measures  for  their  own  Happiness,  and  the  Ease  with  which  they  may  be 
Intimidated  and  drove  from  them.  Little  Ned  Winslow  (one  of  my 
Cousins)  with  a few  other  Insignificant  Tories  appeared  at  the  meeting 
and  played  their  Game  by  holding  up  the  Terrors  of  the  Governor’s 
Proclamation  which  rather  served  us  than  themselves,  from  these  Gentry 
in  this  Town  we  have  little  to  fear,  it  is  the  Wolves  in  Sheeps  Cloath- 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Gage’s  Proclamation  for  discouraging  certain  illegal  combinations,  issued  at  Salem, 
June  29,  1774. 

3 Perhaps  Isaiah  Thomas  publisher  of  the  Massachusetts  Spy. 

4 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


406 


Appendix 


[1774 


ing  who  do  the  mischief,  principally  by  persuadeing  people  that  great 
difficulties  will  Ensue  by  breaking  up  of  Intercourse  with  non-Signers; 
but  as  I consider  the  Articles  as  material  shall  Endeavour  to  preserve  it. 
great  Enquiries  are  made  what  is  done  at  Marblehead,  Salem,  Newberry 
Port,  etc.  shall  be  glad  if  you  would  Enable  me  to  answer  the  queries, 
which  I cant  do  at  present  for  want  of  Intelligence,  and  when  your  hand 
is  in  you  may  mention  Boston  and  tell  me  what  you  do  with  the  Cove- 
nant there.  I congratulate  you  on  the  Compleat  Victory  obtained  at 
your  last  Meeting.1  Custom  House  Officers  and  the  Tories  here  were 
greatly  Elated  with  the  sure  and  certain  Expectation  of  your  defeat 
which  they  seemed  to  Entertain  no  doubt  of  and  were  of  course  greatly 
disconcerted,  last  Week  our  Court  of  Sessions  sett  here,  Voted  and  made 
Addresses  to  the  present  Governor  and  his  predecessor.  I cant  give  you  a 
perticular  Account,  not  haveing  been  able  to  see  or  hear  either  of  them,  as 
the  whole  matter  Except  the  motion  and  the  Choice  of  the  Committee 
was  conducted  in  private,  however  by  what  I can  learn  the  first  is  a 
humble  Imitation  of  Worcester,  and  the  other  of  your  Boston  Addressers, 
and  each  of  them  aiming  to  Excel  in  Adulation  and  Servility  the  Copy.  A 
proper  Committee  for  the  purpose  of  Copying  and  fawning  was  appointed. 
Coll.  Edson  and  my  two  Cousins,  Pelham  and  Ned  Winslow,  Junr.,  tho’ 
the  last  had  never  qualified  himself  as  a Justice  and  therefore  not  properly 
of  their  Body,  but  his  Impudent  and  as  they  think  shineing  Talents  were 
thought  necessary  to  supply  what  their  modesty  seemd  to  suppose  their 
own  Stupidity  could  not  perform.  Mr.  Sever  would  not  unite  with  them 
in  the  motion  for  the  first  Address  which  was  made  by  Foster,  was  not 
present  when  the  second  was  moved  by  Mir.  Winslow,  Introduced  with 
most  Extravagant  Encomiums  on  Hutchinsons  Vertues  and  Adminis- 
tration; but  took  Care  to  be  present  at  the  report  and  made  with  Mr. 
Cotton  and  Mayhew  a resolute,  firm  and  well  supported  Opposition,  but 
nine  poor  Tools  Carried  it  against  them.  A Number  of  others  were  against 
the  motion  when  first  made,  but  as  the  report  was  delayed  to  the  last  of 
the  Court  they  were  gone,  and  there  is  reason  to  suppose  (servile  as  a 
Court  of  Sessions  are)  they  would  hardly  have  Obtained  a vote  if  it  had 
been  made  before  a large  Number  were  gone,  so  much  for  Plymouth 
Intelligence.  I add  no  more  but  that  I wish  to  hear  from  you  and  agre- 
able  to  your  promise  to  see  you  here  before  you  go  on  your  Tour.  I am 
with  Compliments  to  your  good  Lady  Your  Friend  and  Countryman, 

Jas:  Warren 

1 Probably  the  Town  Meeting  of  June  28,  in  which,  by  a vast  majority,  the  Committee 
of  Correspondence  was  upheld.  Boston  Rec.  Com.  xvm.  178. 


1775] 


Appendix 


407 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams1 

Plymo.,  Jan.  the  1,  1775 

Dear  Sir,  — This  is  designed  principally  to  Inform  you  that  the  last 
Storm  cast  away  about  nine  or  ten  miles  from  hence  a Sloop  from  Virginia, 
haveing  on  Board  among  other  things  a considerable  donation  for  your 
suffering  Town,  as  soon  as  that  Circumstance  was  known  here,  a number 
of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  about  twenty,  took  a Sloop  and  went 
down  with  a determination  to  assist  the  Master,  and  more  especially  to 
secure  and  bring  up  as  much  of  the  donation  as  could  be  saved,  but  re- 
turned as  they  went,  without  Effecting  anything,  the  Master  absolutely 
refuseing  to  let  them  take  any  Articles,  telling  them  it  was  his  design  to 
have  the  whole  Cargo  sold  on  the  Beach,  his  Conduct  is  very  strange, 
but  as  we  dont  know  the  Man,  we  are  unable  to  Conjecture  whether  it 
proceeds  from  Weakness  or  Wickedness,  or  from  Evil  Concellors.  it  is 
said  he  has  put  himself  under  the  direction  of  one  or  two  Marshfield 
Tories,  the  donation  Consists  (as  I hear)  of  Corn,  flour,  wheat  Bread, 
pork,  and  some  Butter.2 

I hear  nothing  from  you  of  late  more  than  I should  if  you  was  Appre- 
hended, Transported,  Tryed,  and  Executed  on  the  Statutes  of  Harry  the 
8th  or  George  the  Third.  I sincerely  wish  this  may  prove  a happy  year  to 
you,  tho’  I am  Inclined  to  think  it  will  be  a Troublesome  one  to  both  of 
us.  I should  be  glad  of  a [illegible]  of  your  Conjectures  on  that  subject. 
Your  Company  will  be  much  desired  on  our  Anniversary  and  not  a little 
Expected.  I am  much  engaged  in  military  matters  to  prepare  for  the 
opening  of  the  Campaign  in  the  Spring.  The  Tories  that  return  from 
Boston  report  that  foreign  Troops  are  to  be  sent  over,  that  our  new 
Treasurer  3 refuses  to  receive  any  money,  etc.,  etc.,  and  of  late  seem  to 
prick  up  their  Ears.  Ruggles’  Impudence  is  an  Example  for  them  and  the 
publication  of  Adassachusettensis  are  read  with  more  devotion  and 
Esteem  than  Holy  writt.  we  have  no  News,  have  Established  a Post 
that  leaves  Boston  on  Thursday  Noon,  desire  a Line  from  you.  I am, 
with  Compliments  to  your  good  Lady,  your  sincere  Friend  and  Humble 
Servt. 

Jas.  Warren 

Brackets  or  Mortons  I know  not  which  the  Post  may  be  seen  at.  I 
think  the  late  Movements  of  the  Troops  in  their  Excursions  into  the 
Country  a piece  of  Generalship,  this  practised  without  Exciting  the  Ap- 
prehensions of  the  People  will  enable  him  to  surprise  them  one  day  with 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 See  4 Collections,  iv.  161.  3 Henry  Gardner. 


4-o8 


Appendix 


[1775 


an  Important  Blow,  struck  when  they  had  no  Expectation,  when  I was 
at  Cambridge  I should  have  tho’t  such  a movement  would  have  made 
more  noise. 


James  Warren  to  Harrison  Gray1 

Plymo.,  Jany.  20th,  1775 

Sir, — I Received  yours  of  the  27th  of  December  and  have  observed 
the  Contents  with  that  Care  and  Attention  which  their  Extraordinary 
Nature  seems  to  demand.  I do  not  use  myself  to  analyse  with  a Critical 
Exactness  Letters  I Receive,  unless  necessary  to  discover  the  Temper  and 
disposition  of  Mind,  The  Governing  Principles,  or  the  Ends  proposed  by 
the  Writer.  Whether  Resentment,  Disappointment  in  the  part  you  have 
Unhappily  taken  in  Government,  or  the  feeble  Policy  of  the  Party,  mark 
most  strongly  your  Letter,  I shall  not  undertake  to  determine,  but  I have 
no  difficulty  in  assuring  you  that  if  you  expect  by  any  or  all  of  these  to 
Intimidate  or  drive  me  from  the  Paths  I have  walked  in  to  those  devious 
Tracks  which  neither  Honour  or  Conscience  lead  to  or  Countenance,  you 
have  mistaken  your  Man.  I have  long  since  fortified  myself  against  either 
Allurements,  or  Threats.  I am  now  perfectly  satisfyed  with  the  part  I 
have  taken  in  Government  both  from  its  rectitude  and  the  prospect  of 
Success  attending  it.  Whether  you  are  so  or  not  with  that  you  have 
taken,  or  what  kind  of  Ideas  you  have  formed  of  Treason,  is  not  my 
Business  at  present  to  Enquire.  But  if  I may  presume  to  advise  on  this 
Occasion  it  should  be,  that  Policy  might  so  far  prevail  over  resentment 
as  to  make  you  very  spareing  of  your  Charges  of  Treason,  or  even  In- 
gratitude, against  any  man,  and  much  more  so  against  Bodies  of  Men, 
respectable  for  their  Numbers,  Fortunes,  Abilities  and  publick  Virtues. 
The  production  or  winding  up  of  a piece  of  small  Witt,  however  satisfied 
you  might  be  with  the  little  Fondling,  can  by  no  means  Ballance  the  Haz- 
ard of  a Recrimination.  The  Connection  in  our  Family  2 makes  it  very 
painful  to  me  to  Address  you  in  this  manner,  had  you  Confined  yourself 
to  the  proper  subject  of  your  Letter,  without  Unnecessarily  and  even 
wantonly  Insulting  both  me  and  my  Friends,  I should  have  Addressed 
you  in  a very  different  Stile.  I am  very  sensible  that  I owe  you  money, 
and  that  every  Man  has  a right  to  Call  for  his  Debts;  but  then  I think 
every  man  should  give  a little  warning,  and  not  (by  a sudden  Transition 
from  a full  satisfaction  of  the  security  already  had  and  without  any 

1 From  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Mrs.  Warren’s  brother,  Samuel  Allyne  Otis,  married  for  his  first  wife  Elizabeth,  only 
daughter  of  Harrison  Gray. 


1775] 


Appendix 


409 


reason  to  doubt  the  Goodness  of  it  more  now  than  at  any  former  time) 
make  (as  you  say)  an  unexpected  demand  either  of  the  money  Imme- 
diately, or  a Mortgage.  Security  of  any  kind  I never  was  asked  for  before. 
My  Credit  has  always  been  good.  My  Circumstances  are  at  least  as  good 
now  as  ever,  had  you  suggested  to  me  last  Summer  any  uneasiness,  I 
would  have  found  a way  before  this  to  have  discharged  the  Debt.  I will 
Endeavour  to  do  it  when  my  Vessels  return  in  the  Spring.  I cannot  pay 
this  Sum  of  Money  at  present.  I am  not  willing  to  give  a Mortgage,  nor 
will  I ever  Injure  you  or  your  Children.  What  you  mean  by  your  Insinua- 
tion of  my  Conduct  being  such  as  Exposes  me  to  ruin  I know  not.  Surely 
you  can  charge  me  neither  with  Drunkeness,  Idleness,  or  Extravagance, 
the  Common  Sources  of  ruin,  if  you  have  in  Contemplation  the  Idea  of 
Gibbets  and  Confiscations,  let  me  tell  you  it  is  the  most  Utopian  and 
Contemptible  one  that  ever  Entered  the  Head  of  a Man.  Few  Hearts 
have  been  wicked  enough  to  wish  for  them  and  much  fewer  Heads  weak 
enough  to  Expect  them.  I will  not  at  present  suppose  yours  among  them. 
I will  therefore  presume  that  I have  traced  this  Conduct  of  yours  to  its 
true  Sources.  I am,  Sir,  Your  Obedt.  Humble  Servt. 

Jas:  Warren 


Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

[Andover,  April  or  May , 1775] 

Can  the  Friend  of  my  heart,  who  is  engraven  there  as  with  the  point  of 
a diamond,  question  whether  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  greatest  Commo- 
tion, danger  or  Abscense,  to  erase  the  tender  Idea,  or  in  the  least  impair 
the  sincerest  friendship?  No,  you  have  been  the  object  of  my  waking 
thoughts  and  my  nightly  dreams;  but  since  we  were  dispossest  of  our 
earthly  enjoyments  all  nature  has  seemed  reversed,  and  with  it  the 
weakened  mind  of  your  friend,  rendered  incapable  of  attending  to  those 
pleasures  which  made  life  agreeable.  Nor  can  she  yet  forget,  nor  will  old 
Time  ever  cease  the  horrors  of  that  midnight  cry,  preceeding  the  Bloody 
Massacre  at  Lexington,  when  we  were  rousd  from  the  benign  Slumbers 
of  the  Season,  by  beat  of  drum  and  ringing  of  Bell,  with  the  fire  alarm, 
That  a thousand  of  the  Troops  of  George  the  third  were  gone  forth  to 
murder  the  peacefull  inhabitants  of  the  surrounding  Villages.  A few  hours 
with  the  dawning  day  convinced  us  the  Bloody  purpose  was  executing. 
The  platoon  firing  assuring  us  the  rising  Sun  must  witness  the  Bloody 
Carnage.  Not  knowing  what  the  Event  would  be  at  Cambridge  at  the 
return  of  these  Bloody  ruffians,  and  seeing  another  Brigade  dispatched 
to  the  Assistance  of  the  former,  Looking  with  the  ferocity  of  Barbarians, 


410 


[i775 


Appendix 


it  seemed  necessary  to  retire  to  some  place  of  Safety  till  the  Calamity  was 
passed.  My  partner  had  been  a fortnight  confind  by  illness.  After  dinner 
we  set  out  not  knowing  whither  we  went,  we  were  directed  to  a place 
called  fresh  pond  about  a mile  from  this  town,1  but  what  a distressd  house 
did  we  find  there  filld  with  women  whose  husbands  were  gone  forth  to 
meet  the  Assailiants,  70  or  80  of  these  with  numbers  of  Infant  Children, 
crying  and  agonizing  for  the  Fate  of  their  husbands.  In  addition  to  this 
scene  of  distress  we  were  for  some  time  in  sight  of  the  Battle,  the  glisten- 
ing instruments  of  death  proclaiming  by  an  incessant  fire  that  much 
blood  must  be  shed,  that  many  widowd  and  orphand  ones  be  left  as  mon- 
uments of  that  persecuting  Barbarity  of  British  Tyranny.  Another  un- 
comfortable night  we  passd,  some  nodding  in  their  Chairs,  others  resting 
their  weary  limbs  on  the  floor.  The  welcome  harbingers  of  day  give  notice 
of  its  dawning  light,  but  brings  us  news  it  is  unsafe  to  return  to  Cam- 
bridge as  the  enemy  were  advancing  up  the  river  and  firing  on  the  town, 
to  stay  in  this  place  was  impracticable,  methinks  in  that  hour  I felt  the 
force  of  my  Mother  Eve’s  Soliloquy  on  being  driven  out  of  Paradise,  com- 
paring small  things  with  great 

O unexpected  stroke,  worse  than  of  death! 

Must  I thus  leave  thee,  Paradise?  thus  leave 
Thee,  native  soil!  these  happy  walks,  and  shades, 
fit  haunt  of  Gods?  where  I had  hope  to  spend 
quiet,  tho  sad,  the  respite  of  that  day 
that  must  be  mortal  to  us  both?.  . . 
how  shall  I part,  and  whither  wander  down 
into  a lower  world;  to  this  obscure 
and  wild?  how  shall  we  breath  in  other  air 
Less  pure,  accustomed  to  immortal  fruits? 

and  could  only  be  consold  by  the  mild  reply  of  Michael  her  Guardian 
Angel. 

Lament  not  Eve,  but  patiently  resign 
What  justly  thou  has  lost:  nor  set  thy  heart 
thus  over  fond,  on  that  which  is  not  thine, 
thy  going  is  not  Lonely;  with  thee  goes 
thy  husband,  him  to  follow  thou  art  bound, 
where  he  abides,  think  there  thy  native  soil.2 

His  benign  words  to  Adam  must  also  afford  Consolation  to  the  lonely 
Soul. 

His  omnipresence  fills  Land,  sea  and  air, . . . 

surmise  not  then 

His  presence  to  these  narrow  bounds  confind.3 


1 Cambridge. 


2 Paradise  Lost,  xi.  268  ff. 


3 lb.,  336  ff. 


1775] 


Appendix 


4IT 


Thus  with  precipitancy  were  we  driven  to  the  town  of  Andover,  following 
some  of  our  Acquaintance,  five  of  us  to  be  conveyd  with  one  poor  tired 
horse  and  chaise.  Thus  we  began  our  pilgrimage  alternately  walking  and 
riding,  the  roads  filld  with  frighted  women  and  children,  some  in  carts 
with  their  tattered  furniture,  others  on  foot  fleeing  into  the  woods.  But 
what  added  greatly  to  the  horror  of  the  scene  was  our  passing  thro  the 
Bloody  field  at  Menotomy  which  was  strewd  with  the  mangled  Bodies, 
we  met  one  affectionate  Father  with  a cart  looking  for  his  murderd  son 
and  picking  up  his  Neighbours  who  had  fallen  in  Battle,  in  order  for  their 
Burial. 

I should  not  have  chose  this  town  for  an  Asylum,  being  but  twenty 
miles  from  seaports  where  men  of  war  and  their  Pirates  are  stationed,  but 
in  being  fixd  here  I see  it  is  not  in  man  to  direct  his  steps,  As  you  kindly 
enquire  after  our  Situation,  I must  tell  you  it  is  Rural  and  romanticaly 
pleasing.  Seated  in  a truly  retired  spot,  no  house  in  sight,  within  a mile 
of  Neighbours  thinly  settled,  the  House  decent  and  neat  stands  under  the 
shade  of  two  venerable  elms,  on  a gently  rising,  one  flight  of  steps  with  a 
View  of  a spacious  meadow  before  it,  a small  Rivulet  meandring  thro  it, 
the  grassy  Carpet  interspersd  with  a Variety  of  flowers,  shrubs,  several 
little  mounts  rising  in  the  conic  form,  intersected  with  fertile  spots  of 
waving  grain.  The  Horizon  bounded  with  a thick  wood  as  if  nature  in- 
tended a Barricade  against  the  Canonade  of  some  formidable  despot. 
But  here  all  is  perfect  Silence,  nothing  is  heard  but  the  melody  of  the 
groves  and  the  unintelligible  Language  of  the  Animal  Creation.  From  the 
profound  stillness  and  serenity  of  this  woody  region  I can  almost  per- 
suade myself  we  are  the  only  human  inhabitants  of  Creation  and  instead 
of  Lossing  my  fondness  for  Society  I shall  have  a higher  relish  for  the 
pleasures  of  friendly  converse  and  social  endearments,  tho  the  Family  we 
live  with  are  very  obliging.  But  alas  the  gloomy  appearance  of  mortal 
things  sets  the  Vanity  of  human  life  in  the  clearest  demonstration  before 
me,  nor  can  I forbear  to  drop  a tear  over  that  Seminary  which  has  been 
the  glory  of  this  Land,  and  lamenting  those  walls  early  dedicated  to  the 
Study  of  Science  and  calm  Philosophy  Instead  of  the  delightfull  harmony 
of  nature  nothing  but  the  din  of  arms  and  the  clarion  of  War,  the  Youth 
dispersd,  the  hands  of  their  preceptors  sealed  up,  those  fountains  of 
Knowledge  the  Library  and  Apparatus  entirely  useless  and  perhaps  may 
fall  into  those  hands  whose  highest  joy  would  be  to  plunge  us  into  dark- 
ness and  Ignorance  that  we  might  become  fitter  objects  for  Slavery  and 
Despotic  rule,  my  partner  wishes  some  attention  might  be  paid  to  these 
important  Treasures.  Oh,  shall  we  ever  be  restord  to  that  peacefull 
abode,  that  happy  roof,  where  retird  from  all  the  glitter  and  noise  of  the 
gay  and  busy  world,  my  Consort  would  joy  to  finish  his  mortal  life  in  in- 


412 


[i775 


Appendix 


vestigating  the  great  Temple  of  the  Skies  and  adoring  the  Divine  Archi- 
tect of  Heaven  and  quietly  quitting  this  lower  Creation. 

When  I think  of  the  sufferings  of  my  Friends  in  Boston,  I am  ashamed 
that  my  inconvenience  should  have  such  an  undue  effect  upon  me.  I 
blush  that  I have  so  little  Fortitude  to  encounter  the  Struggles  we  must 
expect  to  meet  before  the  unnatural  Campaign  is  over.  I must  confess  I 
sometimes  Indulge  Fears  which  excite  mirth  rather  than  Sympathy  in 
my  Philosop[h]er.  I have  not  seen  our  son  since  his  return  from  sea.  It 
is  a Satisfaction  that  our  Sons  possess  that  love  of  Liberty  which  will  en- 
gage them  in  the  Cause  of  their  Bleeding  Country.  It  would  give  me 
great  pleasure  to  pay  you  a Visit  in  your  hospitable  abode  of  peace  and 
elegance,  but  the  Length  of  the  journey  and  the  uncertainty  of  the  times 
forbid  it.  It  would  add  Inexpressible  pleasure  to  us  to  see  you  in  our 
Rural  retirement,  then  might  I profit  by  your  Example  of  Equanimity 
and  patience  in  times  of  Affliction.  We  are  now  cut  off  from  all  our  Liv- 
ing, but  those  divine  intimations  in  that  sacred  Book  which  have  been  the 
Consolation  of  many  an  exild  one  must  be  our  Support,  pray  let  me  hear 
from  you  as  often  as  possible.  As  it  has  been  the  mode  of  some  distin- 
guished Patriots  on  the  other  side  the  water  in  their  late  letters  to  a per- 
son of  my  acquaintance  in  these  perilous  times  not  to  affix  any  Signature 
to  them  but  that  of  Sentiment  and  Affection,  so  in  humble  imitation,  after 
offering  my  partner’s  and  my  best  Affection  to  you  and  Coll.  Warren  to 
subscribe  yours  Unalterably 

[Ao  signature.] 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams 

Watertown,  June  21,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I got  up  yesterday  morning  with  a determination  to 
have  wrote  to  you  and  acknowledged  the  pleasure  I received  by  yours, 
but  was  then  prevented  and  shall  be  able  now  to  write  very  little  before 
the  Bearer  will  call  for  this.  The  Multiplicity  of  Business  to  be  done  in 
the  present  Situation  and  Hurry  of  our  Affairs  fills  up  every  moment  of 
my  Time  with  an  Attention  hardly  tolerable.  The  late  Action  at  Charles- 
town you  will  hear  of  before  this  reaches  you.  I gave  our  Friend,  J. 
Adams,  an  Imperfect  Account  of  it  yesterday.1  I refer  you  to  him  and 
haveing  nothing  to  be  relied  on  since  shall  only  say  that  tho’  the  Troops 
and  Torys  in  Boston  Exult  much,  I think  they  have  nothing  to  Bragg  of 
but  the  possession  of  the  Ground,  and  what  was  still  of  more  Consequence 
to  us,  the  Death  of  our  worthy  Friend  Doctr.  Warren,  but  you  may  de- 

1 Vol.  1.  62,  supra. 


1775] 


Appendix 


413 


pend  on  it  they  paid  very  dearly  for  their  Acquisition.  I believe  we  shall 
find  their  killd  and  wounded  very  great,  perhaps  not  much  less  than  1000, 
and  among  them  many  officers.  Their  Troops  that  came  over  it  is  said 
were  5000,  Commanded  by  Lord  How.  it  is  amazeing  how  uncertain  we  re- 
main to  this  time  of  many  facts  you  might  suppose  we  were  fully  possessd 
of.  we  are  not  at  this  time  able  to  ascertain  the  number  of  our  own  men 
killd  and  wounded,  tho’  we  have  reason  to  suppose  they  will  not  greatly 
Exceed  100.  we  are  well  pleased  with  the  Spirit  and  Resolutions  of  your 
Congress,  we  could  only  have  wished  you  had  suffered  us  to  have  Em- 
braced so  good  an  Opportunity  to  form  for  ourselves  a Constitution 
worthy  of  Freemen,  all  Bodies  have  their  Foibles.  Jealousy,  however 
Groundless,  may  predominate  in  yours,  we  have,  however,  submitted 
and  are  sending  out  our  Letters  and  shall  Express  our  Gratitude  by  this 
Conveyance  for  your  kindness  and  Benevolence  to  us  in  this  Respect, 
our  Good  Major  Hawley  can  be  very  sincere  and  your  Brother  Cushing 
I suppose  likes  it.  he  has  relieved  me  by  an  Intimation  of  a probability 
that  you  will  regulate  the  Constitution  of  all  the  Colonies.  I must  again 
refer  you  to  my  Friend  Adams  for  my  Sentiments  of  the  Situation  of  our 
own  Army,  you  would  tremble  to  be  possessd  of  the  true  state  of  it.  fine 
fellows  you  know  our  Countrymen  are  and  want  nothing  but  a general 
of  [struck  out]  abilities  to  make  them  a fine  army,  all  our  Efforts,  which 
are  many,  cannot  supply  that  defect.  Yours  must  do  it.  could  you  be- 
lieve he  never  left  his  House  on  Saturday  last.  I shall  Add  no  more.  I 
wish  that  was  the  worst  of  it.  by  the  way  I must  do  Justice  to  Thomas, 
he  is  a good  Officer  and  is  Esteemed,  we  have  no  trouble  with  his  Camp; 
it  is  always  in  good  order  and  things  are  Conducted  with  dignity  and 
Spirit  in  the  military  Stile,  we  Yesterday  chose  Heath  to  succeed  our 
Friend  Warren  as  second  Major  General.  Whitcomb  is  the  first.  The 
Humanity  of  the  Good  Genl.  Gage  that  we  have  heard  so  much  of  has 
reduced  Charlestown  to  ashes  and  will  I presume  treat  all  other  Towns 
in  his  power  in  the  same  manner.  I am  now  called  on  and  must  conclude, 
with  my  regards,  etc.,  to  all  our  Friends  and  am  with  my  best  wishes  for 
every  Happiness  to  you  your  Friend 

Jas:  Warren 

do  write  to  me  and  among  other  things  let  me  know  how  it  is  with  your 
Health  and  Spirits. 


4 1 4 


Appendix 


[ 1775 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  July  9th,  1775 


I dined  Yesterday  with  Genl.  Washington,  he  is  an  amiable  man  and 
fully  answers  the  high  Character  you  and  my  Friend  Adams  have  given 
of  him.  I admire  the  Activity,  Spirit  and  Obligeing  Behaviour  of  Miflin. 
Coll.  Read  [Reed]  is  a very  sensible,  agreable  Gentleman.  . . . The  armys 
have  been  for  some  time  very  quiet,  we  hear  little  from  them,  but  at 
times  a few  Cannon,  this  Morning  they  have  fired  many,  I suppose  on 
Roxbury.  I wish  we  were  able  to  return  the  Compliment.  I should  have 
told  you  if  I had  not  done  it  before  that  we  are  Concerned  here  about  the 
Arrangement  of  the  other  Generals,  particularly  our  own.  I can’t  tell  you 
how  high  Thomas’  Character  runs  here,  he  was  by  far  the  best  Officer  we 
had.  I hope  you’l  find  some  way  to  rectifie  what  realy  is  a mistake.  I 
fear  your  Excessive  Establishments  may  be  the  Ground  of  Uneasiness. 
I hope  they  wont  descend  lower  than  to  the  Generals.  I observe  you  are 
very  spareing  of  your  Intelligence  but  I am  well  pleased  with  some  of 
your  proceedings  I have  heard  off,  and  my  Expectations  are  much  raised 
with  what  is  to  come,  if  the  present  policy,  or  rather  Folly,  of  Britain 
should  last  a little  longer  we  may  be  a Grand  and  a happy  People.  I now 
fear  the  repeal  of  the  Acts  which  I have  heretofore  wished  for.  We  talk 
of  riseing  this  day  to  take  a little  Breath  before  we  meet  in  General  As- 
sembly. the  arrival  of  the  Generals  have  relieved  us  of  much  trouble  from 
the  Army,  when  are  we  to  see  all  the  Governments,  and  our  own  with 
them,  reformed  and  set  upon  a Good  Bottom,  we  look  for  such  an 
Event,  dont  you  talk  of  adjourning  this  way.  I find  the  General 
wishes  for  it.  we  have  done  it,  all  along  we  hear  that  some  of  the 
Troops  destined  for  York  are  arrived  and  the  whole  Expected  every 
Minute,  and  that  the  army  in  Boston  are  prepareing  for  some  new  Ex- 
pedition. have  many  Boats  of  a particular  Construction,  flat  bottomed 
and  Calculated  for  Shoal  Water.  I Expect  another  Action  very  soon. 
A few  more  such  as  the  last  will  ruin  them.  I refer  you  to  Mr.  J. 
Adams  to  whom  I have  given  an  Account  of  that  matter  which  I believe 
true.  I wrote  to  him  Yesterday  and  he  will  have  it  by  this  Opportunity, 
do  let  me  know  how  your  Health  is.  I met  Mrs.  Adams  the  other  Day. 
She  was  well  and  looked  as  Blooming  as  a Girl.  I Pity  the  poor  Crea- 
tures left  in  Boston,  was  very  glad  to  see  your  Son  out.  My  regards  to 
all  our  Friends.  I am  obliged  to  Mr.  Cushing  for  his  frequent  mention  of 
me.  I am  your  Friend,  Jas:  Warren 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library.  A part  of  this  let- 
ter is  printed  in  1.  69,  supra , and  only  what  was  not  in  that  note  is  here  given. 


1775] 


Appendix 


415 


I have  just  heard  that  our  Army  at  Roxbury  succeeded  last  Night  in 
an  Attempt  to  Burn  Brown’s  House  which  Excited  their  Ire  to  fire  the 
Cannon  this  morning. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  July  20,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I had  the  pleasure  of  yours  of  the  2d  Instant  by  Mr. 
Thomas  this  day.  it  has  been  so  long  on  its  passage  that  I shall  look  for 
another  in  a day  or  two,  tho’  I claim  no  title  to  such  a favour  but  from  the 
most  sincere  Friendship.  I am  very  sorry  you  have  so  much  reason  to 
Complain  of  your  friends.  I flatter  myself,  however,  that  I am  not  the 
most  negligent  of  them,  if  I have  not  done  my  Duty  I shall  Endeavour 
for  the  future  to  reform,  if  you  Continue  to  wish  for  Letters  from  me. 

They  Certainly  have  paid  Excessively  dear  for  the  purchase  of  Bunker’s 
Hill,  but  your  Intelligence  of  the  Death  of  How  is  without  founda- 
tion. he  seems  to  have  deserved  that  fate  and,  perhaps,  it  is  reserved  to 
the  next  dome  they  may  take.  I want  much  to  see  you,  but  the  Impor- 
tance of  the  Business  you  are  Engaged  in  suppresses  every  desire  of  that 
kind  for  the  present.  I am  sensible  from  what  has  Transpired,  tho’  you 
have  not  been  perticular,  that  your  Patience  is  put  to  the  Trial.  I hope 
it  will  be  supported,  you  flatter  me  with  great  Expectations.  I hope  I 
shall  not  be  disappointed,  but  you  must  be  aided  by  the  folly  and  Wicked- 
ness of  Britain,  so  much  Moderation  and  Timidity  still  prevail  here  that 
there  is  no  doing  without  them.  I should  be  glad  to  give  you  a minute 
Account  of  our  Civil  and  Military  Affairs,  but  they  are  so  numerous  and 
so  Complicated  that  it  is  difficult  to  know  where  to  begin,  or  where  to 
End,  and  besides  I have  wrote  pretty  fully  to  our  good  Friend  Mr. 
Adams,2  which  I consider  in  some  Sort  as  writing  to  you.  Our  New  As- 
sembly met  here  yesterday.  Chose  only  a Speaker  and  Clerk  — your  un- 
worthy Friend  for  the  first,  Mr.  Freeman  for  the  second,  the  Choice  of 
Concellors  was  postponed  till  Tomorrow  Morning.  I must  furnish  you 
with  a List  of  them  by  another  Opportunity.  The  Inhabitants  of  your 
poor  devoted  Town  had  a very  Social  Collection  from  their  dispersions 
at  Concord  on  Tuesday  last  to  the  number  of  about  200  and  Chose  Mr. 
[Samuel]  Adams,  Hancock,  [John]  Pitts  and  [Dr.  Benjamin]  Church  to 
Represent  them.  I have  no  Expectation  that  the  Election  of  Tomorrow 
will  please  either  you  or  me.  I could  almost  wish  we  were  again  reduced 
to  a Congress  till  we  had  a Constitution  worth  Contending  for.  our  As- 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  82,  supra. 


4i  6 


Appendix 


[1775 


sembly  is  numerous,  about  160  Members,  pretty  nearly  of  the  old  Com- 
plection.  Our  Congress  was  dissolved  yesterday  morning,  their  most 
material  proceedings  you  have  seen  in  the  papers,  from  them  you  will  be 
able  to  form  some  Judgment  of  the  general  Tenour  of  the  whole.  I cant 
describe  the  difficulties  we  have  had  from  the  Caprice,  Humour  and 
whims  of  the  Army,  as  well  as  many  others.  The  Army  is  now  perfectly 
quiet  and  in  good  Spirits,  while  their’s  is  out  of  humour,  ill  supplied  and 
dispirited,  from  the  Appearances  here,  situated  so  nigh  as  we  are  to  two 
Camps,  you  could  hardly  suppose  an  Army  was  within  fifty  miles  of  us. 
The  Town  is  as  still  as  perhaps  it  ever  was  on  a Sunday.  This  Fast  has 
been  observed  as  you  could  wish,  with  that  deference  to  the  Authority 
that  appointed  it,  and  with  that  devotion  that  our  Circumstances  re- 
quire. it  is  a grand  Solemnity.  3,000,000  of  People  on  their  knees  at 
once,  supplicating  the  Aid  of  Heaven  is  a strikeing  Circumstance  and  a 
very  singular  one  in  America.  May  the  Blessings  of  Heaven  follow  in 
answer  to  our  prayers,  it  gives  me  great  satisfaction  to  hear  your  Health 
is  better,  if  Gage’s  Proclimation  has  Contributed  to  it,  as  I am  told  it 
has,  I will  in  one  Instance  acknowledge  my  Obligations  to  him.  I am  de- 
sired to  Inclose  to  you  a Letter  from  one  Mrs.  Nash  and  to  desire  Mr. 
Hooper’s  Care  of  it.  my  regards  to  all  Enquireing  Friends  and  sincerely 
yours 

Jas:  Warren 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  July  27th,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I yesterday  received  yours  of  the  12th  Instant 2 by 
your  Friend,  Mr.  Hughes.  I shant  fail  to  Introduce  him  to  our  friends  and 
do  everything  I can  to  make  his  Visit  here  agreable  to  him.  the  Recom- 
mendation you  have  given  is  quite  sufficient  to  Engage  my  good  Opinion 
of  him.  I have  but  Just  seen  him.  Expect  to  see  him  again  this  day.  we 
sent  you  a Hint  sometime  ago  with  regard  to  takeing  up  Crown  Officers. 
I could  wish  to  see  it  Improved  more  and  especially  in  one  Instance,  if 
I have  Tryon’s  Character,  his  Intrigues  are  dangerous  and  require  your 
perticular  Attention,  no  Events  of  more  Consequence  that  that  of 
Choosing  your  Honour  to  the  Board  have  taken  place  since  my  last.  The 
Armys  Continue  to  look  at  each  other  and  fortify  themselves,  no  Action 
or  prospect  of  [one.]  it  is  said  they  are  very  sickly  and  dispirited  in 
Boston.  Our  Army  is  tolerably  well  and  in  good  Spirits.  I really  wish  to 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  82,  supra. 


1775] 


Appendix 


417 


have  something  to  write  you  of  the  Operations  of  war,  but  it  is  a barren 
time.  I have  not  been  at  the  Camp  since  my  arrival  here  — I mean  to  our 
new  Assembly,  we  are  going  on  in  the  old  way  with  Business  enough 
before  us.  The  Council  met  but  yesterday,  they  choose  a Secretary  this 
day.  I presume  you  will  be  the  man.  I hear  you  talk  of  adjourning.  I 
want  to  see  you,  but  I fear  if  you  adjourn  the  same  Reverence  will  not 
attend  the  proceedings  of  your  Committee,  my  room  is  full  of  Company 
this  morning  and  I am  much  hurried.  I cant  therefore  add  more  than  my 
regards  to  all  friends,  perticularly  my  good  Friend,  Mr.  Adams.  I am 
sincerely  your  Friend, 

J.  Warren 

I shall  write  you  again  as  soon  as  I can.  we  have  great  Numbers  of 
Gentlemen  resorting  to  this  Colony  from  the  rest,  could  wish  to  know 
what  men  you  would  like  to  hear  of. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Augt.  4th,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  your  Letter  of  the 
24th  July  2 which  I received  on  Sunday  last.  I Intended  to  have  wrote 
you  before  this  and  perticularly  by  an  Express  of  the  Generals,  which  he 
told  me  would  go  on  Wednesday,  and  I suppose  is  now  gone;  but  I have 
not  had  it  in  my  power  to  do  it.  Interruptions  of  one  kind  or  another  have 
prevented  whenever  I had  assigned  a Time  for  it.  besides  I have  some 
doubts  how  it  should  be  performed.  I am  sensible  Confiding  in  your 
Candour  I have  wrote  with  great  Ease  to  myself  and  I suppose  Incorrect- 
ness; but  have  Endeavoured  to  Collect  facts,  etc.,  and  give  them  to  you 
as  well  as  I could,  and  it  seems  to  me,  as  far  as  I can  recollect,  I have 
generally  given  you  or  my  Good  Friend,  Mr.  J.  Adams  (which  I conceive 
to  be  the  same  thing)  all  the  Facts  and  material  Events  that  had  taken 
place  here  which  I could  suppose  you  was  not  otherways  acquainted  with, 
however,  I designed  it  and  if  I have  failed  from  any  other  reason  but  from 
want  of  ability,  will  try  to  reform,  being  very  well  disposed  both  from 
Inclination  and  Policy  to  Contribute  all  I can  to  the  weight  and  Im- 
portance of  the  Massachusetts]  Delegates,  and  Especially  to  that  of  Mr. 
Adams  who  I can  assure  you  I think  was  a Judicious  Choice  and  is  a man 
after  my  own  heart. 

I can  again  assure  you  with  Confidence  that  every  thing  in  the  Army 
is  easy.  I know  of  no  Suspicions  or  Uneasiness  among  the  Officers  or 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  89,  supra. 


[i77S 


4i  8 


Appendix 


Soldiers.  General  Spencer  at  first  left  the  Camp  but  is  again  returnd 
and  I believe  Behaves  well.  General  Washington’s,  Lee’s,  Gates’,  and  the 
Character  of  the  Gentlemen  with  them  are  greatly  Esteemed  and  unlim- 
ited Confidence  is  placed  in  them.  The  state  of  our  Army  is  very  pleas- 
ing. they  are  Healthy,  vigorous,  Intrepid,  and  orderly  and  well  supplied 
with  every  thing  but  one.  that  I cant  think  of  without  Gloom  and  fearful 
Apprehensions,  but  I trust  the  Goodness  of  a kind  Providence  and  the 
Vigilance  of  your  Congress,  for  God’s  Sake,  Exert  yourselves  to  free  us 
from  our  Apprehensions,  you  will  hear  from  the  General  on  this  Head, 
the  Situation  of  our  Brethren  in  Boston  is  beyond  description  miserable, 
in  want  of  Necessaries,  sickly  and  dyeing,  Tyranny,  Famine  and  Pesti- 
lence are  their  Portion  at  once.  I must  refer  you  to  my  Friend  Adams  to 
whom  I wrote  all  the  perticulars  I knew  with  regard  to  them,  and  like- 
wise for  the  little  Skirmishes  that  have  taken  place  after  so  profound  a 
Tranquility.1  very  little  has  happened  since  I wrote  him.  the  Rifle  men 
and  some  others  are  continually  firing  on  them  and  they  frequently  re- 
turn the  fire  of  their  Cannon,  we  kill  them  some  men  almost  every  day. 
The  People  at  Machias,  an  obscure,  small  Town  in  the  Eastermost  parts 
of  this  Colony,  you  may  remember  some  time  ago  took  two  Sloops  from 
one  Jones  (a  dog)  and  a Tender,  they  have  now  taken  another  Tender 
without  the  loss  of  a man,  and  among  other  things  with  ten  bbls.  powder 
and  £50  sterling  in  Cash,  in  this  way  they  will  be  a Maritime  Power, 
they  Bid  as  fair  for  it  as  Charthage  in  the  days  of  Queen  Dido,  and  almost 
as  much  so  as  England  in  the  days  of  Queen  Bess.  We  may  be  able  an- 
other Year  to  Convey  the  Delegates  to  Philadelphia  (if  they  Choose  to  go 
by  water)  against  the  Navy  of  Britain.  Are  we  not  to  hear  of  an  Expedi- 
tion into  Canada  and  of  Treaties  with  foreign  powers,  at  least  Commer- 
cial. do  let  the  Grandeur  and  Importence  of  your  measures  command  the 
Astonishment  while  the  Wisdom  of  them  Excites  the  Reverence  of  the 
world.  You  tell  me  you  Expect  a short  Adjournment.  I will  be  glad  to 
see  you.  we  are  drudging  on  in  the  old  way,  and  a dull  one  it  is,  not  so 
much  as  Enlivened  with  the  usual  Altercations  with  an  Infamous  Gov- 
ernor. I Inclosed  a Letter  for  you  in  Mr.  Adams,  give  my  perticular  re- 
gards to  him.  My  Compliments  to  all  Friends.  Mr.  Paine  I will  next 
write  to  him.  I have  taken  Care  to  see  your  Son  provided  for  and  should 
have  done  it  before  but  for  a mistake.  I took  another  man  of  the  same 
Name,  a Surgeon  of  one  of  the  Regiments,  to  be  him  and  signed  the  war- 
rant with  great  pleasure,  as  I always  feel  Interested  in  whatever  relates  to 
your  family,  no  News  from  England,  what  the  old  Squaw  is  about,  we 
cant  conjecture  and  dont  much  Care.  I hope  she  is  raising  Troops  to  sub- 
due America.  I am  your  Friend.  Adieu.  Jas:  Warren 

1 Vol.  1.  95,  supra. 


1775] 


419 


Appendix 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

. Watertown,  Sepr.  28,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I had  the  pleasure  Yesterday  of  hearing  for  the  first 
Time  of  your  safe  Arrival  at  Philadelphia,  and  of  your  performing  the 
Journey  in  a manner  that  Contributed  much  to  your  Health,  to  the 
Sociability  on  the  way,  and  to  the  Character  of  the  Statesman,  as  it  is 
said  that  Horsemanship  and  dexterity  in  rideing  on  the  Saddle  are  neces- 
sary to  Compleat  that  Character,  I really  give  you  Joy  on  this  Occasion 
and  that  this  Important  Acquisition  was  made  by  the  help  of  flannel 
without  Injury.  I am  obliged  to  my  Friend,  Mr.  Adams,  for  this  Intelli- 
gence, whose  Letter  2 1 received  yesterday  by  Mr.  Cabot  wholly  on  that 
Subject,  which  shews  the  Importance  of  it  in  his  mind  and  his  fondness 
for  Fame  and  Glory,  for  he  assumes  the  whole  merit  of  first  Adviseing 
and  then  giveing  the  Necessary  Instructions.  I never  feel  disposed  to  les- 
sen his  Glory  and  Fame  and  shall  readily  in  this  Instance  allow  him  the 
Honour  of  Compleating  the  Character  of  a Great  Statesman  and  pro- 
longing the  Life  of  a distinguished  Patriot.  In  my  last  to  Mr.  Adams  I 
promised  to  write  you  soon,  as  I always  choose  to  keep  my  promises,  I 
sit  down  this  morning  for  that  purpose,  tho’  I am  unable  to  give  you  any 
Important  Intelligence.  All  things  remain  pretty  much  in  the  same  state 
as  when  I last  wrote  Mr.  Adams,  we  make  Advances  upon  them  daily 
with  our  works,  they  have  for  a week  past  been  very  still,  scarce  a shott 
has  been  fired.  Arnold  went  off  with  his  detachment,  Embarked  at  New- 
berry Port,  and  without  Interruption  arrived  safe  at  Kennebeck.  it  is 
said  they  supposed  we  gave  out  as  a Blind  that  this  Expedition  was  de- 
signed for  Quebec,  and  that  the  real  Intention  was  to  attack  Hallifax,  get 
their  Stores  and  destroy  their  Guard  there.  Accordingly  a Fleet  and 
Force  is  sent  to  defend  it,  unless  they  practise  this  kind  of  policy  and 
have  gone  to  Quebec,  but  what  but  their  Cowardice  or  want  of  Common 
Sense  should  have  prevented  our  small  Fleet  in  their  passage  from  New- 
berry to  Kennebeck.  they  are  indeed  poor  Dogs.  Wallace  at  Newport 
makes  great  Havock  among  the  Trade  and  sends  whole  Fleets  to  Boston, 
our  Machias  Admiral  has  been  and  Burnt  the  Fort  on  St.  John’s  River, 
took  away  all  the  Cannon,  six  or  seven,  and  has  taken  a Vessel  Bound  to 
Boston  with  thirty  head  Cattle,  seventy  Sheep,  some  Swine,  2000  lbs. 
Butter  and  Cheese,  seventy  Dollars,  six  watches,  some  English  Goods. 
Our  Assembly  are  setting,  but  no  one  Event  of  any  Consequences  has 
taken  place,  do  let  me  know  how  we  are  to  account  for  the  strange  delay 
of  the  Money  that  was  ordered  from  Philadelphia,  our  Conjectures  are 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  109,  supra. 


420 


Appendix 


[1775 


various  and  my  Curiosity  is  much  raised,  it  is  certainly  very  Extraor- 
dinary to  have  an  Army  of  20,000  men,  appointed  and  stationed  without 
one  single  Dollar  to  support  or  provide  for  them.  The  Character  and 
Credit  of  many  of  the  Officers  at  Stake  and  suffering.  The  provisions  in  a 
manner  stopd.  Our  Friends  astonished  and  our  Enemies  diverted.  I shall 
write  you  as  soon  as  possible  again,  in  the  meantime  am  with  wishes  for 
your  Happiness  your  Friend 

J.  W. 

Present  with  the  Inclosed  Letter  my  regards  to  my  Friend  Adams,  my 
Compliments  to  Mr.  Cushing,  Pain,  Hancock,  Ward,  and  all  Enquiring 
Friends,  if  there  be  any,  particularly  to  Mr.  Collins  to  whom  shall  write 
soon. 


James  Warren  to  (?)  1 

Watertown,  Oct.  2d,  1775 

Sir,  — You  will  see  by  this  Instance  what  difficulties  you  may  Involve 
yourself  in,  by  what  at  first  you  perhaps  meant  only  as  a Compliment. 
As  was  no  more  than  the  Natural  Effusions  of  a friendly  disposition  I 
have  had  it  in  Contemplation  to  write  to  you,  ever  since  you  thought  it 
worth  while  to  request  it,  and  have  waited  only  for  some  Events  of  Im- 
portance to  take  place,  that  I might  with  the  greater  probability  succeed 
in  my  Wishes  by  gratifying  you  with  some  Intelligence.  Things  in  our 
Camp  and  about  Boston  remain  pretty  much  as  they  were  when  you  left 
us.  We  have  made  some  small  Advances  upon  them  since;  every  thing 
of  that  Kind  as  soon  as  they  discover  it,  has  Irritated  and  made  them 
very  waspish  for  a little  while.  A smart  Cannonade  at  first  has  been  the 
Certain  Consequence,  which  has  done  us  very  little  Injury,  and  we  have 
generally  Treated  with  Neglect,  and  suffered  them  to  Tire  themselves  like 
other  Children  with  their  own  ill  humour,  till  after  a little  while  when  the 
peevish  fit  has  gone  off  they  can  see  us  without  any  seeming  Emotion 
finish  at  our  Ease,  what  at  first  so  highly  provoked  them.  I do  not  recol- 
lect any  Skirmishes  that  have  happened  between  our  Troops  and  theirs, 
or  any  Important  Military  Movements,  I mean  since  you  was  here,  it 
has  been  a rare  thing  for  ten  days  past  to  hear  a Cannon,  we  keep  them 
Confined  and  watch  them  with  Care.  I am  inclined  to  think  we  shall 
have  occasion  to  do  little  else.  The  Duty  and  fatigue  of  the  army  in  Bos- 
ton is  so  great  and  Intolerable,  that  Joined  with  their  manner  of  Living 
must  sweep  them  off  by  Thousands.  Desertions  from  them  are  frequent, 
1 From  the  Emmet  Collection  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1775] 


Appendix 


42 1 


very  commonly  four  or  five  in  a week,  they  say  the  soldiers  are  very 
Uneasy,  Almost  ready  to  Mutiny,  that  they  have  had  fresh  provisions 
served  them  but  once  since  the  Battle  of  Lexington  and  no  Vegetables, 
that  they  are  in  their  Beds  but  one  Night  in  four  and  that  great  Numbers 
wait  only  for  an  Opportunity  to  desert.  A Party  of  our  Men  last  week 
went  upon  Governor’s  Island  and  brought  off  all  the  Stock  except  a few 
Horses  which  they  could  not  catch  and  did  not  think  prudent  to  fire  att. 
The  People  at  Marblehead  have  taken  a Vessel  from  New  Providence 
with  Turtle  and  other  delacacies  the  produce  of  that  Island  and  designed 
for  the  delicate  palates  of  the  Rebels  in  Boston,  but  by  a S:  West  Wind 
forced  into  Marblehead.  The  People  of  Cape  Ann  have  taken  a Brigan- 
tine from  Quebec  for  Boston  with  Cattle,  Sheep,  Oatmeal,  and  some  For- 
rage  for  the  Rebel  army  and  Carried  her  into  that  place.  The  armed  Ves- 
sel at  Machias  have  destroyed  the  remains  of  the  fort  at  St.  John’s  River, 
brought  off  some  Cannon  and  taken  a Brigantine  from  Nova  Scotia  for 
Boston  with  Stock,  etc.  Coll.  Arnold  was  eight  days  ago  sixty  miles  up 
Kennebeck  with  his  detachment  for  Quebec,  all  in  high  Spirits  and  well 
provided,  so  that  we  have  the  most  pleasing  prospects  of  Success  in  Can- 
ada. Two  letters  were  found  on  Board  the  Brigantine  from  Quebec  wrote 
by  one  Gamble,  who  chartered  her.  he  is  an  Officer  in  the  Army  and  Inti- 
mately acquainted  with  Gage,  one  Letter  is  to  Gage,  the  other  to  Maj. 
Sherriff,  telling  them  that  no  Aid  is  to  be  Expected  to  Government  from 
that  Quarter,  that  Carlton  dare  not  Issue  his  Orders  to  the  Militia,  sup- 
poseing  they  would  not  be  obeyed,  and  that  the  Canadians,  poisoned  from 
N.  England,  had  got  the  use  of  that  damned  Abused  word  Liberty.  We 
have  no  Communication  with  Boston  but  by  a Boat  to  Chelsea  once  or 
twice  a week,  in  which  are  suffered  to  come  out  only  one  or  two  persons  of 
little  or  no  Consequence.  We  cant  learn  with  any  Certainty  if  any  rein- 
forcements are  Expected  from  England,  the  Soldiers  are  Indeed  told 
that  large  ones  will  soon  arrive,  this  we  consider  as  Calculated  to  quiet 
them  and  reconcile  them  to  the  severity  of  their  Duty  and  hard  fare.  I 
have  now  only  to  apologise  for  this  Letter  which  is  wrote  in  a hurry  and 
with  a Carelessness  only  to  be  used  with  the  most  Intimate  Acquaintance, 
among  which  I should  be  proud  to  rank  you  as  one.  I am  your  sincere 
Friend 

Jas:  Warren 


My  regards  to  all  Friends. 

There  is  a Report  that  Gage  is  Superceded  and  that  the  Command  of 
the  Army  and  Government  here  is  given  to  Howe.1 

1 In  substance  this  letter  is  not  unlike  that  printed  in  1.  122,  so  it  could  hardly  have 
been  written  to  John  Adams,  to  whom  Warren  did  write  on  the  same  day. 


Appendix 


[i77S 


42  2 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Octr.  23d,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  waited  to  the  last  Hour  in  hopes  of  haveing 
the  Advantage  of  some  delightful  subject  to  write  on,  as  you  gave  me 
reason  to  hope  for  in  one  of  your  last  favours;  but  all  things  hereabouts 
remain  in  pretty  much  the  same  Situation,  we  look  at  their  Lines  and 
they  view  ours,  and  Consider  them  in  the  same  formidable  Light.  No- 
thing in  the  Military  way  has  taken  place  here  nor  do  I know  that  any  plan 
is  on  foot,  or  under  Consideration,  they  want  Courage  to  attack  us  and 
we  want  powder  to  attack  them  and  so  there  is  no  Attack  on  either  side. 
No  Reinforcements  are  yet  arrived,  we  may  however  Expect  them  every 
day.  I believe  they  look  for  them  every  hour,  if  they  come  they  will  be  a 
great  relief  to  them,  their  duty  is  now  Excessive  severe,  they  are  upon 
Guard  at  least  two  nights  in  three,  which  with  the  provisions  they  have 
makes  them  very  sickly  and  uneasy,  it  is  Conjectured  by  some  that  are 
out  of  Town  that  a great  part  of  them  would  make  no  resistance  if  at- 
tacked, but  that  is  a Circumstance  too  precarious  to  depend  on.  however 
I could  wish  for  a Resolution  in  our  Councils  to  make  an  Attempt,  tho’  I 
know  it  to  be  hazardous,  they  are,  Indeed,  very  strong,  and  if  we  should 
fail  the  Attempt  would  both  cost  us  many  a Brave  fellow  and  perhaps 
damp  and  discourage  those  that  remained,  as  well  as  occasion  Murmur- 
ings,  finding  faults  with  the  Conduct  of  Officers,  and  many  other  Effects  of 
disappointment,  but  if  we  should  succeed  the  Consequences  would  be 
Important  and  Grand.  I can  hardly  think  they  would  look  us  in  the  face 
again  even  with  Amherst  at  the  Head  of  20,000  Hanoverians,  Hessians, 
Scotch  Rebels,  Irish  Papists,  etc.  What  then  is  the  probability?  Upon 
this  Question  my  Mind  has  often  Ballanced  and  does  now,  and  nothing 
but  Faith,  strong  Faith,  and  Confidence  to  a degree  of  Enthusiasm,  pre- 
ponderates and  determines  my  wishes.  I have  such  reliance  on  the  Right- 
eousness of  our  Cause  as  Inclines  me  to  think  any  thing  will  succeed.  I 
wrote  yesterday  every  Article  of  Intelligence  I could  collect  to  my  good 
Friend,  Mr.  J.  Adams,2  every  thing  of  that  kind  I write  to  one  of  you  I 
Consider  as  wrote  to  both.  I shant  therefore  trouble  you  with  Repetition. 
Nothing  has  turned  up  this  day  but  a Confirmation  of  the  Arrival  of  one 
of  our  Vessels  (tho’  not  the  one  I mentioned  to  him)  with  Tons  pow- 
der, 500  Stands  of  Arms,  and  8 Cannon  mounted  on  Deck,  she  is  in  at 
Townsend,  near  Kennebeck.  The  Grand  Conference  Ended  last  Evening, 
what  is  Concluded  upon  I know  not.  You  great  Folks  keep  things  so  Im- 
penetrably secret  that  we  small  ones  must  be  Content  with  our  own  Con- 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  149,  supra. 


1775] 


Appendix 


423 


jectures.  Mr.  Lynch  and  Coll.  Harrison  have  spent  this  day  at  Roxbury 
and  go  of  in  the  Morning.  I am  just  returned  from  head  quarters  where  I 
have  been  to  take  my  Leave  of  them,  but  missed  of  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
them.  I have  left  my  Compliments  and  an  Invitation  to  Breakfast  with 
me  in  the  Morning:  I may  or  may  not  see  them.  I am  however  Inclined 
to  think  they  will  leave  us  well  satisfied  and  I believe  their  Visit  here  will 
be  serviceable.  I Imagine  they  are  so  with  regard  to  the  Establishment 
for  our  Army  and  Convinced  it  was  made  on  principles  of  Oeconomy.  I 
shall  Inclose  you  to  be  made  use  of  at  discretion  an  Abstract  from  the 
Journal  of  the  Year  1759,  by  which  you  will  see  how  much  the  Expense 
then  Exceeds  the  Expense  now.  Our  General  Court  are  drudging  on  in 
the  old  way,  with  this  difference  only,  that  questions  are  more  numerous, 
more  difficult  and  complicated,  and  less  Abilities  to  determine  them.  I 
never  flatter  any  Man,  but  really  want  you  here.  I have  taken  some  pleas- 
ure when  I have  been  in  the  house  with  you.  I take  none  now.  I last 
Evening  received  a Letter  from  Church,1  Conceived  in  a stile  truly  poet- 
ical and  in  Terms  of  the  greatest  Assurance  and  Confidence,  desireing 
from  his  high  Opinion  of  the  Immaculate  House  of  Representatives,  and 
great  regard  and  Affection  for  his  Constituents,  to  resign  his  Seat,  he 
undoubtedly  Intended  to  steal  a march  upon  and  outgeneral  us.  I dont 
know  but  he  will  succeed,  and  prevent  an  Expulsion.  I wish  this  was 
Cushing’s  House,  we  have  in  hand  a Militia  Bill,2  a Bill  to  Encourage  In- 
dividuals fixing  out  Privateers  and  to  Establish  Courts  of  Admiralty  to 
determine  on  Captures  by  the  Verdict  of  a Jury,3  to  prevent  Persons 
holding  places  Incompatible,  by  which  your  Honour  is  not  to  be  allowed 
to  hold  the  place  of  a Justice  of  the  Superior  Court  and  I am  as  a Sheriff 
Excluded  from  a Seat  at  the  Board  and  as  an  Officer  of  the  Army  from  a 
Seat  in  either  House,  so  that  I may  in  time,  how  soon  I know  not,  have 
more  leisure  to  write  to  you.  several  others  are  in  Contemplation.  I 
thank  you  for  your  Letters  and  wish  for  more.  I have  forwarded  to  Mrs. 
Adams  and  your  Son  those  you  Inclosed  by  safe  hands,  they  were  well 
not  long  since  and  hope  are  so  now.  My  regards  to  my  Friends  Mr.  Han- 
cock, Cushing  and  Pain;  also  to  my  Friend  Collins,  for  whom  I have  a 
great  Respect.  I am  with  great  Sincerity  your  Friend 

J.  w. 

I have  a Thousand  things  yet  to  say  that  Time  and  Circumstances 
wont  permit.  I hope  the  Unexampled  Barbarity  of  our  Enemies  will 
remove  all  hesitations  and  dubitations  and  stimulate  to  revenge  as  well 

as  Justice.  Mrs.  Warren,  my  good  wife,  sends  her  regard  to  my  good 
Friend. 

1 Dr.  Benjamin  Church.  2 Province  Laws,  v.  445.  3 lb.,  436. 


424 


Appendix 


[1775 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Octr.  26th,  1775 

My  dear  Sir,  — I had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  yours  by  Mr.  Tracey 
two  days  ago,  and  am  much  Obliged  to  you  for  it.  I am  sorry  your  Friends 
dont  write  you  oftner,  especially  those  of  them  who  are  more  capable  of  it 
than  I am,  and  have  Abundantly  more  leisure.  I think  their  Negligence 
Unpardonable  — that  of  the  Committee  in  perticular;  but  to  tell  you  the 
Truth  I never  Expected  your  Correspondence  would  be  much  Enlarged 
by  their  Appointment.  I wrote  to  you  not  more  than  three  days  ago,  and 
now  again  purely  to  shew  the  readiness  I have  to  Comply  with  your  re- 
quests and  my  own  duty,  not  haveing  a single  new  Article  of  Intelligence 
to  hand  you,  how  long  you  will  wish  the  Continuance  of  such  a Corre- 
spondence I can’t  say.  I am  very  sensible  of  the  hazard  and  danger  of 
depending  so  much  on  a Change  of  Measures  in  Britain,  that  is  a Rock 
that  some  of  us  have  ever  carefully  avoided  and  should  never  split  upon, 
but  in  a general  Shipwreck,  when  we  must  go  with  the  rest,  whether  it 
be  occasioned  by  Timidity,  Folly  or  Wickedness.  I was  in  hopes  before 
this  to  have  found  more  such  Instances  and  Examples  as  Lord  Effingham 
has  given  the  world;  but  the  prevailing  Luxury  and  Consequent  rage  for 
money  has  absorbed  every  other  Sentiment  and  left  scarce  the  least 
Trace  of  honour  or  virtue  in  any  public  Class  among  them.  I perceive 
you  had  got  Church’s  Letter,  which,  with  an  Account  of  his  manner  of 
Conducting  this  matter,  gives  you  every  thing  we  have  here  on  which  we 
Judge  of  him  and  the  Criminality  of  his  Conduct,  there  are  Indeed  some 
other  Collateral  Evidences  against  him,  such  as  his  keeping  this  Corre- 
spondence a secret  to  every  one,  Instead  of  Communicating  it  to  the 
President  or  some  of  the  Members  of  Congress,  or  to  the  General,  if  he 
Intended  it  for  the  Good  of  the  publick,  especially  when  the  General  in 
great  Confidence  has  Sollicited  him  to  Recommend  to  him  some  proper 
person  in  Boston  from  whom  he  might  receive  Intelligence.  Add  to  all 
which  the  General  Inattention  and  Unfeeling  manner  he  discovered  when 
he  was  among  us.  I used  to  Impute  that  to  the  Indolence  of  his  Temper, 
but  am  now  Convinced  that  it  proceeded  from  the  Wickedness  of  his 
Heart.  I have  now  no  difficulty  to  account  for  the  knowledge  Gage  had 
of  all  our  Congress  Secrets,  and  how  some  later  plans  have  been  rendered 
abortive;  or  for  the  Indulgence  shewn  him  when  he  went  into  Boston 
after  the  Lexington  Battle,  do  I discover  a want  of  charity  that  the  Evi- 
dences wont  warrant.  The  judgment  of  the  publick  and  of  Individuals 
are  very  severe  upon  the  Letter  here,  you  are  to  consider  that  at  the 
Time  this  letter  was  wrote,  our  Army  were  forming  very  fast  into  Order 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1775] 


Appendix 


42  5 


and  discipline,  and  were  so  formidable  that  he  could  hardly  Advise  them 
to  make  another  Attack  with  any  prospect  of  Success.  And  with  regard 
to  powder  we  had  about  that  time  many  Accounts  of  the  Arrival  of  it, 
which  I dare  say  he  believed,  when  he  could  no  longer  promise  himself 
that  the  Event  of  the  Contest  would  be  as  lucky  as  the  defeat  of  our  Army 
at  Bunker’s  Hill,  it  seems  natural  that  he  should  tell  them  the  Truths  he 
has  done  in  order  to  Enforce  his  Sollicitations  for  Peace,  but  I quit  this 
subject  as  it  might  lead  me  into  a page  or  two  more,  and  only  now  Inform 
you  that  we  have  this  day  taken  the  proper  steps  to  have  him  brought  to 
the  Barr  of  the  House  Tomorrow,  io  o’Clock.  then  I expect  him  and  as 
great  a Concourse  as  Curiosity  can  Collect. 

The  27th.  Doctr.  Church  has  been  brought  according  to  order  to  the 
Barr  and  has  made  with  great  Assurance  and  Confidence  an  artful,  plau- 
sible defence,  attended  with  all  the  poetical  Oratory  he  was  master  of,  and 
really  has  Exceeded  what  I thought  him  Capable  of.  the  Guards  with  our 
Messenger  have  taken  him  back  and  we  are  now  debateing  by  Candle 
Light,  while  I write  to  a Friend  I think  will  never  fall  under  a Single  Sus- 
picion of  Treason  to  his  Country,  we  have  no  kind  of  news,  shall  write 
you  again  soon,  whether  we  shall  pass  Judgment  or  suspend  it  least  we 
Influence  the  final  Judgment  on  the  Charge  against  him,  or  whether 
we  shall  now  admit  his  resignation  are  the  questions.  I suppose  Coll. 
Reed  will  be  the  Bearer  of  this  and  give  you  a full  and  ample  Account  at 
least  of  the  state  of  the  Army.  I have  taken  good  Care  of  your  Letters. 
I do  sincerely  wish  you  every  Happiness.  Adeu. 

J.  w. 

You  must  make  my  regards  to  your  Brethren  Coll.  Hancock,  Mr. 
Cushing  and  Mr.  Paine,  and  any  other  Gentlemen  who  may  think  it 
worth  while  to  accept  them.  Time  wont  permit  and  you  may  add,  I have 
nothing  Important  to  write. 

My  good  Friend  Mr.  Adams  shall  write  to  if  possible.  Mrs.  Warren, 
one  of  the  Choicest  Gifts  of  Heaven,  sets  by  att  the  writeing  this  Post- 
script and  desires  her  regards  to  your  Honour. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Novr.  12th,  1775 

Dear  Sir,  — The  Bearer  of  this  I suppose  will  be  Mr.  Revere,  who 
Carries  you  from  the  Council  some  very  Important  dispatches,  taken  by 
a Fish  Boat  in  a Schooner  made  Prize  off  and  Carried  into  Beverly. 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


426 


Appendix 


[1775 


Among  other  things  there  is  to  be  found  in  one  Letter  the  Success  and 
Effects  of  your  Loyal  and  Dutiful  Petition.  Administration  from  it  pre- 
sumed there  must  be  a Weakness  among  us.  this  presumption  has  Ani- 
mated and  Encouraged  them  to  pursue  vigorous  measures  and  exert  their 
whole  strength,  what  will  be  thought  of  the  piddling  Genius  now.  The 
five  Regiments  destined  for  Boston  this  Fall  are  partly  arrived  and  the 
rest  daily  Expected,  how  many  are  in  I cant  learn  with  certainty,  it  is 
said  they  are  in  Choice  Spirits  in  Boston,  tho’  they  are  starveing  for  wood 
and  fresh  Provisions,  and  in  want  of  Bread,  with  regard  to  the  Inhabit- 
ants they  are  at  least  as  miserable  as  ever,  it  was  reported  last  week  that 
Howe  had  called  upon  all  that  were  desirous  of  leaving  the  Town  to  give 
in  their  names  by  a certain  time,  I think  the  next  day,  at  12  o’Clock.1  we 
Expected  proposals  for  their  comeing  out  but  hear  no  more  of  this  matter. 
Our  Military  Movements  are  much  the  same  as  they  have  been  lately, 
they  keep  within  their  walls  and  we  watch  them,  the  want  of  a certain 
Article  has  prevented  our  being  able  to  do  more,  with  an  Abundance  of  it, 
some  Capital  and  Grand  Stroke  would  have  been  struck  and  perhaps  put 
an  End  to  the  War.  my  Greatest  Uneasiness  arises  from  the  present 
State  of  the  two  Armies.  Ours  is  new  modelling,  while  theirs  is  reinforce- 
ing.  in  the  new  Arrangement  of  our  Army  the  Regiments  are  to  be  re- 
duced from  thirty-nine  to  twenty  seven,  you  will  easily  conceive  the  diffi- 
culty of  doing  it  without  disgusting  Soldiers  as  well  as  Officers,  our  own 
men  you  know  are  much  attached  to  perticular  Officers,  and  I hear  there 
is  in  the  Camp  much  Conversation  and  Uneasiness  on  this  Subject.  I am 
not  in  the  Cabinet.  I hope  matters  have  been  well  digested  and  that  this 
Business  will  end  well,  it  is  certainly  a Critical  Time.  Prizes  chiefly  with 
wood  from  the  Eastward  and  Stock,  Hay  and  provisions  from  Nova 
Scotia  are  frequently  bringing  into  our  Harbours,  if  these  dont  Enrich  us, 
the  want  of  them  must  distress  our  Enemies,  the  Vessel  from  Ireland  is, 
however,  a valuable  Prize  and  has  many  good  Bits  on  Board.  The  Intelli- 
gence you  will  have  by  the  Bearer,  with  the  R[oyal]  silly  Proclamation,2 
will,  I presume,  put  an  End  to  the  Petitioning.  I shall  Expect  some 
Movements  worthy  of  so  august  a Body.  A Declaration  of  Independency, 
Treaties  with  foreign  powers,  a Test  that  shall  draw  a clear  and  distin- 
guishing Line  between  Whiggs  and  Tories,  and  some  other  matters  in  the 
same  stile,  however  they  might  formerly  be  thought  Extravagant,  may 
now  perhaps  be  considered  by  even  piddling  Genius,  as  not  Exceeding  the 
Line  of  Moderation.  Our  General  Court  was  adjourned  last  Night  to  the 
29th  Instant,  the  two  Houses  have  not  parted  in  the  best  Humour  — a 
poor  time  to  altercate.  I have  not  time  to  give  you  the  State  of  the  Con- 

1 Broadsides  ( Collections , lxxv.)  No.  1826. 

2 Of  August  23.  Broadsides  ( Collections , lxxv.)  No.  1818. 


1775] 


Appendix 


427 


troversy.  the  appointing  Field  Officers  is  the  Subject.  The  Council 
Claim  the  Exclusive  Right  as  a Prerogative  of  the  Governour;  we  claim 
an  Equal  Share  with  them  as  a part  of  the  Assembly  of  this  Colony  by 
Virtue  of  your  Resolves  which  are  so  clear  and  plain  that  there  is  no  room 
for  doubt  and  which,  if  not  rightly  understood  by  us,  do  distinguish  us 
from  the  other  Colonies  by  depriving  us  of  a great  privilege  given  them, 
can  an  Adherence  to  the  old  rotten  Charter  be  a Ballance  for  haveing  the 
militia  in  the  hands  of  the  People,  they  have  lost  much  of  the  Respect  and 
Confidence  of  the  People  by  their  Behaviour  on  this  Occasion,  tho  the 
Occasion  is  malancholy  it  Excites  ridicule  in  the  Gravest  among  us  to  see 
more  especially  some  Individuals  among  them  contending  for  the  Prero- 
gative of  the  Governour  with  all  the  Zeal  of  Bernard  and  Hutchinson, 
the  Hauteur  and  Pomp  of  Majesty,  you  would  certainly  think  of  some 
ridiculous  Animal  apeing  a fine  Gentleman,  or  etc.  Mr.  Revere  waits.  I 
must  refer  you  to  him  for  the  perticulars  of  a little  Affair  last  week,  the 
Regulars  landing  on  Sewals  Point,  etc.  I am  yours,  etc. 

J.  W. 

My  regards  to  all  Friends,  perticularly  Mr.  Adams  to  whom  I wrote  per 
Capt.  Mcpherson  a few  days  since,  dont  think  I have  not  a Respect  for 
your  Body.  I have,  but  some  of  them  certainly  think  themselves  either 
Kings  or  Governours  at  least,  you  wont  know  them  when  you  get  here. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Deer.  5th,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I Received  your  favour  of  the  4th  November  2 Just 
before  I went  Home,  where  I Tarried  for  a Rarity  about  nine  or  ten  days 
and  returned  here  last  Week.  I thank  you  for  the  Letter  and  as  the  Senti- 
ment pleased  me  much  I have  made  use  of  it,  or  part  of  it,  to  Counteract 
that  penurious  narrow  Spirit  too  often  prevailing  in  a House  of  Represent- 
atives and  to  Impress  upon  others  the  Necessity  of  Guarding  against 
such  an  Incompatibility  of  Offices  as  we  have  before  very  Justly,  as  well 
as  loudly  Complained  of.  it  is  indeed  too  true  that  the  doctrine  you 
mention  with  regard  to  School  Masters  has  been  preached  even  in  the 
House,  as  I am  told  in  the  debates  on  the  Tax  Bill  and  they  are  not  Ex- 
empted as  usual,  this  is  a Circumstance  I never  knew  till  the  Bill  was 
passed,  haveing  unluckily  been  out  of  the  House  in  every  reading  of  it.  I 
should  certainly  have  Exerted  my  small  Abilities  had  I been  there,  in  sup- 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Vol.  1.  169,  supra. 


428 


Appendix 


[1775 


port  of  the  principles  and  policy  of  our  Fathers.  Our  Government,  how- 
ever disposed  to  promote  Virtue  and  the  public  and  private  happiness  of 
the  People,  is  not  Considered  here  as  permanent,  we  are  all  in  Continual 
Expectation  of  another  Change,  and  besides  the  late  Conduct  of  the 
Council  has  weakened  that  Confidence  and  Reverence  necessary  to  give  a 
well  disguised  Government  its  full  Operation  and  Effects.  I hope  how- 
ever there  will  be  an  End  put  to  that.  I believe  your  and  my  Friend’s 
Letter  will  make  them  more  modest.  I think  I see  it,  tho’  I have  not  seen 
the  Letter,  they  say  you  have  left  things  Just  as  they  were.  I wrote  to 
my  Friend,  J.  Adams,  two  days  ago,1  which  went  yesterday  by  Capt. 
Stephenson  of  the  Riflemen,  to  him  I must  refer  you  for  all  the  perticulars 
I could  then  recollect,  since  which  the  only  material  things  that  have 
taken  place  are  Letters  from  Arnold  in  the  Neighborhood  of  Quebec,  and 
some  more  prizes  taken.  I suppose  you  will  have  the  Letters  received,  or 
the  Copies  of  them,  by  this  Express.  You  will  by  them  see  that  this  Ar- 
nold is  a Genius  in  this  way.  he  has  made  a March  under  such  Circum- 
stances, and  attended  with  such  difficulties,  as  modern  story  cant  equal, 
it  must  be  Compared  with  Lfanibal’s  over  the  Alps,  or  Xenophon’s  re- 
treat. I think  we  are  in  a fine  way  to  have  possession  of  all  Canada  and 
perhaps  Carleton  too.  Our  Privateers  more  than  answer  our  Expecta- 
tions. since  the  Grand  Prize  I wrote  Mr.  Adams  of  several  other  vessels 
have  been  taken,  perticularly  one  from  Scotland  dunnaged  with  Coal  and 
filled  up  with  Bail  Goods  to  a very  Considerable  Amount  and  Consigned 
to  James  Anderson,  who  by  the  way  is  become  a Captain  in  Gorham’s 
Regiment  of  Fensible  Americans,  it  is  said  another  Vessel  with  dry  Goods 
for  Canada  is  also  taken  and  one  with  Fish  from  the  Land,  this  Success 
Confirms  the  Sentiments  I have  long  had.  Fifteen  privateers  fixed  out 
last  June  would  before  this  have  put  an  End  to  the  War,  or  at  least  have 
Obliged  the  Fleet  and  Army  to  leave  Boston,  the  state  of  your  dear 
Town  and  the  remaining  Inhabitants  there  is  truly  miserable,  if  the  Suc- 
cessor of  Gage  would  have  more  regard  to  his  word  than  his  predecessor, 
he  wants  his  humanity,  he  last  week  turned  ashore  at  pudding  Point 
three  hundred  poor  miserable  Inhabitants,  almost  destitute  of  every 
necessary,  and  there  left  them  Exposed  to  the  rigour  of  the  Season  and  it 
is  said  five  or  six  died  before  they  could  be  relieved,  the  Houses  there  are 
no  Shelter,  the  windows  are  all  out,  and  the  floors  taken  up.  this  day  we 
are  in  Expectation  of  another  set  being  sent  out  in  the  same  manner,  but 
with  the  Addition  of  a Species  of  Barbarity  any  but  a British  Minister  or 
British  Soldier  would  Blush  at.  we  are  Informed  he  has  Inoculated  them 
in  order  the  more  Effectually  to  destroy  them  and  spread  the  Small  Pox 
among  us.  I have  many  things  to  say  to  you  which  time  wont  permit.  I 

1 Vol.  1.  187,  supra. 


1775] 


Appendix 


429 


must  therefore  Conclude  this  Scroll  wrote  in  hurry  and  Confusion  and  am 
your  sincere  Friend  [JVo  signature.} 

Lord  Stanhope’s  Son  and  another,  said  to  be  a relation  of  Lord  North’s, 
were  Intercepted  at  Rhode  Island  in  one  of  their  Night  Walks  and  se- 
cured. One  of  them  offered  100  Guineas  and  his  Gold  Watch  to  be  re- 
leased. I think  Stanhope  Commanded  a small  armed  Vessel. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Deer.  19,  1775 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  but  very  short  notice  of  this  Opportunity, 
you  will  therefore  escape  the  Trouble  of  a long  Letter  from  me  at  this  time, 
you  will  doubtless  be  Informed  by  the  General  of  the  Military  Opera- 
tions, in  what  manner  and  when  the  Army  began  and  advanced  their 
works  on  Lechmore’s  Point,  and  of  the  Cannonading  and  Bombardment 
that  has  Ensued,  and  of  the  Success  of  it,  of  the  several  Prizes  our  Priva- 
teers have  taken,  and  of  the  Loss  of  one  of  the  Continental  Privateers 
taken  and  Carried  into  Boston,  it  is  said  the  People  are  sent  to  England. 
I shall  therefore  leave  all  those  matters  and,  after  Congratulating  you  on 
our  Success  in  Canada  and  wishing  for  the  Completion  of  our  wishes  in 
that  quarter,  tell  you  a little  General  Court  News,  and  ask  a little  Con- 
gress News  in  return,  the  Capital  matters  we  are  Engaged  in  are  regulat- 
ing the  Militia,  paying  of  the  Soldiery,  aiding  and  assisting  the  Quarter- 
master General  in  Supplying  the  Army  with  Hay  and  wood,  two  very 
scarce  Articles,  fixing  out  Vessels  for  Importing  Powder,  etc.,  promoteing 
the  Manufacture  of  Arms  and  Salt  Petre,  Building  Powder  Mills,  and  in 
short  every  thing  else,  it  is  Impossible  to  describe  the  Business  we  have 
to  do.  it  is  Increased,  perhaps  doubled,  by  this  Colony  being  so  much  the 
Seat  of  War.  we  are  to  begin  this  day  upon  the  Consideration  of  a Militia 
Bill  reported  yesterday,  there  being  an  End  of  the  Contest  between  the 
two  Houses  I hope  we  shall  get  a good  one.  we  are  Emitting  75,000  more, 
not  dareing  to  trust  to  a remittance  from  Philadelphia.  Hay  and  wood 
have  given  us  a deal  of  trouble,  they  are  dear,  but  they  are  very  scarce, 
the  General  has  at  times  thought  the  People  here  Extravagant  in  their 
demands,  and  that  they  took  unreasonable  Advantages,  while  the  Cir- 
cumstances are  such  as  would  command  the  same  or  greater  price  for 
both  if  no  Army  was  here  and  the  Importation  of  Eastern  wood  stopd.  to 
reconcile  the  General  to  these  Sentiments  to  avoid  any  Imputation  of 
that  kind  from  the  Continent  and  at  the  same  time  do  Justice  and  give 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


43° 


Appendix 


[1775 


satisfaction  to  our  own  People.  It  is  Labor,  etc.  we  are  fixing  out  ten 
Vessels  for  powder,  etc.  these  are  all  to  go  to  the  foreign  W.  Indies.  We 
Conceive  by  your  resolves  we  are  not  at  Liberty  to  carry  any  produce,  etc., 
to  any  other  place,  therefore,  tho  we  have  fine  merchantable  Fish  we  do 
not  Ship  it  to  Spain,  where  probably  we  might  get  powder,  etc.,  with 
more  certainty  and  less  money,  was  this  Intended  or  was  it  an  Inad- 
vertency.1 the  Manufacture  of  Salt  petre  is  flourishing  here  beyond  our 
Expectations,  we  have  a Committee  to  Build  two  powder  Mills,  one  at 
Sutton,  the  other  at  Stoughton. 

when  are  we  to  hear  of  your  Confederation,  proposed  in  your  last  Ses- 
sion. is  it  not  time  to  have  the  Constitution  of  our  supream  Legislative 
accurately  fixd  and  fully  Established  and  known,  you  have  recom- 
mended to  us  to  make  a Law  against  harbouring  deserters.2  I wish  you 
would  recommend  to  all  the  Colonies  to  make  similar  and  severe  Acts 
against  the  Violaters  of  the  Association,  it  appears  to  us  Important  and 
I believe  must  be  done,  the  Soldiery  in  Boston  are  very  sickly  and  Ex- 
tremely distressed  for  necessaries;  ours  are  healthy,  vigorous  and  spirited, 
the  Inlistments  rather  Increase,  we  last  Fryday  Chose  delegates  to  re- 
present us  in  Congress  from  the  last  of  January  next  to  the  last  of  De- 
cember. the  only  Alteration  is  Gerry  in  the  room  of  Cushing,  whose  Ab- 
sence could  no  longer  be  dispensed  with  ! the  Important  Post  he  holds  in  the 
County  of  Suffolk  requireing  his  Attendance  may  be  the  reason.  I have 
not  time  to  add  one  word  more  and  Indeed  can  hardly  recollect  what  I 
have  wrote.  My  regards  to  my  Friend  Adams.  I wrote  him  by  last  Post, 
should  like  to  learn  whether  he  or  you  ever  receive  any  from  me.  Adeu. 

What  are  become  of  the  papers  sent  him  by  Coll.  Reed  which  you  said 
diverted  you. 

May  Vessels  be  permitted  to  go  to  the  W.  Indies  and  elsewhere  in 
Ballast  to  purchase  molasses,  etc.  I dont  know  that  it  is  against  any  of 
your  resolves,  and  those  Articles  may  be  wanted,  but  then  all  the  hard 
money  will  go.  what  Effect  that  may  have  on  our  Currency,  etc.,  may  be 
worth  Considering,  do  let  me  have  your  Opinion  as  soon  as  you  can  on 
this  subject. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  3 

Watertown,  January  14,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I now  set  down  to  write  to  you  after  a longer  Interval 
than  the  Obligations  I readily  Acknowledge  myself  under  for  your  sev- 

1 Vol.  1.  203,  supra.  2 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  hi.  324. 

3 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1776] 


Appendix 


43  1 


eral  favours  can  Justify,  since  my  last  I have  been  to  Plymouth  and  been 
so  Crouded  with  Business  here  that  I have  not  been  able  to  gratify  my 
own  Inclinations,  or  Comply  with  your  desires.  Very  few  things,  how- 
ever, have  turned  up  here  worthy  of  your  Notice.  The  Military  Opera- 
tions are  the  same  now  as  they  have  been  for  Months  past,  purely  defen- 
sive and  Guarding  against  the  Excursions  of  the  Enemy,  Excepting  a 
Little  Affair  which  happened  last  Monday  Night,  which  tho’  not  very 
Important  was  well  Executed  and  is  not  without  good  Effects,  Inureing 
our  Soldiers  to  Service,  giveing  them  fresh  Spirits  and  Encourageing  In- 
listments.  I mean  the  Burning  the  Houses  at  Charlestown,  the  perticu- 
lars  of  which,  I dare  say,  you  will  have  before  this  reaches  you. 

I wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  give  you  a more  favourable  Account  of 
the  state  of  the  Army  than  it  is.  The  Inlistments  by  no  means  answer 
my  Expectations,  nor  can  I account  for  this  Backwardness  in  a way  satis- 
factory to  myself.  I cannot  give  you  the  Exact  Numbers,  but  doubt 
whether  they  exceed  io  or  u,ooo  after  all  the  Amazeing  diligence  and 
Trouble  of  the  General,  assisted  by  Endeavours  of  Individuals,  as  well  as 
the  General  Court.  I am  very  anxious  about  this  matter,  it  is  high  time 
that  our  Army  was  Established.  I could  have  wished  that  some  other 
Mode  had  at  first  been  adopted,  but  it  is  now  too  late  to  rectify  any  orig- 
inal Error,  we  must  go  on  and  do  as  well  as  we  can.  I shall  only  mention 
to  you  that  I think  the  service  has  suffered  and  the  Inlistments  been  Em- 
barrassd  by  the  low  state  in  which  you  keep  your  Treasury  here,  had  the 
General  been  able  to  have  paid  of  the  old  army  to  the  last  of  December, 
when  their  Term  Expired,  and  to  give  Assurances  for  the  pay  of  the  Mil- 
itia when  their  Continuance  in  the  Army  should  End  it  might  have  pro- 
duced many  good  Effects  and,  among  others,  added  some  Thousands  to 
the  Army,  you  will  be  surprised,  perhaps,  when  I tell  you  there  is  but 
about  10,000  dollars  here  and  that  left  by  the  necessary  Parsimony  of  the 
General,  not  knowing  what  Occasion  there  might  be  for  a little.  The 
time  for  which  our  Militia  came  in  Ends  tomorrow,  we  have  presumed  so 
much  on  the  publick  Spirit  of  our  Countryman  as  to  make  no  other  pro- 
vision, tho’  every  thing  depends  on  their  staying,  and  they  wish  to  be  at 
Home,  our  House  adjourned  Yesterday  Morning  and  the  Members  went 
down  among  them  to  use  their  Influence.  I flatter  myself  the  most  of 
them  will  stay  to  the  last  of  this  Month,  our  Naval  Operations  have  been 
for  a while  suspended,  the  Privateers  mostly  hauled  up.  I can  therefore 
give  you  no  Account  of  any  late  Captures.  I hear  they  are  again  fixing 
and  hope  they  will  soon  have  their  usual  Success.  Our  General  Court  are 
Extremely  Busy,  the  Business  Croud ing  on  them  is,  Indeed,  without 
Bounds,  besides  the  Common  Business;  and  the  availing  ourselves  of  our 
present  Situation  to  make  some  and  repeal  other  Laws,  the  necessary  At- 


43  2 


Appendix 


[1776 


tention  we  are  obliged  to  give  the  Army  is  a very  great  Addition  to  it. 
Could  your  Congress  be  sensible  of  our  Assiduity,  and  the  Chearfulness 
with  which  we  submit  to  the  Trouble  and  a great  Expense  of  Time  and 
Money  for  the  publick  good,  it  would  of  itself  be  an  Irrefragable  Argu- 
ment of  the  publick  Spirit  which  reigns  here.  The  Continent  calls  for  aid 
to  the  Army  in  wood,  Hay,  Blankets,  Men,  etc.,  are  of  themselves  suffi- 
cient to  Employ  us  the  length  of  our  usual  Sessions,  we  have,  however, 
been  so  long  used  to  Climbing  Mountains  that  we  go  on  with  a persever- 
ance that  demands  Admiration.  I am  sensible  the  Circumstances  you 
mention  must  give  you  pain,  they  are,  indeed,  not  just,  you  must,  how- 
ever, Extend  your  Charity  and  make  Allowances  to  some  of  the  Authors. 
I really  believe  the  great  perplexities  they  have  been  Involved  in  have 
prevented  their  seeing  things  in  their  true  Light.  The  principle  thing 
peculiar  to  ourselves  that  we  have  been  Engaged  in  is  a Militia  Bill,  which 
with  much  difficulty  is  now  nearly  Compleated.  It  is  too  lengthy  and 
would  be  too  tedious  to  give  you  a perticular  Account  of.  it  may  suffice 
to  say  that  all  poles  from  sixteen  to  fifty,  with  the  usual  Exceptions,  are 
to  form  the  Train  Band,  and  the  Alarm  much  as  usual,  it  provides  for 
three  Major  Generals  in  the  Colony,  and  a Brigadier  in  every  County 
where  are  more  than  one  Regiment,  who,  with  the  Field  Officers  of  the 
Regiments  are  to  be  chosen  by  either  House  with  the  Concurrence  of  the 
other,  and  Commissioned  by  the  Council.  A ship  is  arrived  at  Falmouth 
which  left  England  the  beginning  of  November,  by  her  we  have  the  Ad- 
dresses of  both  Houses  in  the  usual  state,  some  Additions  to  the  Minority. 
Parliament  and  Administration  going  on  the  same  way  as  usual,  etc., 
etc.,  which  are  things  of  no  great  Consequence.  The  passengers  relate 
some  Interesting  F acts : that  the  People  begin  to  feel  and  stirr  themselves ; 
that  1800  Troops  sailed  for  Boston  were  drove  back  by  hard  gales  of  wind 
in  a shattered  Condition;  that  13,000  Sheep  and  Hoggs  were  shipd  and 
sailed  for  Boston  drove  back  and  lost,  which  are  to  be  ranked  in  that 
Train  of  Events  Providence  has  ordered  for  the  Salvation  of  this  Country, 
you  are  to  have  the  Papers  from  the  General  and  so  I shall  add  no  more, 
but  Improve  the  Little  Time  left  me  to  Enquire  whether  your  Congress 
should  not  by  this  time  have  a fixed  Constitution  that  we  may  know  and 
Consider  as  'permanent;  whether  it  is  not  time  that  you  should  form  your 

Alliances  as  the has  his.  what  is  become  of  your  Fleet,  what  is  the 

destination  of  the  French  Armament  in  the  West  Indies,  and  whether 
you  cant  Improve  so  favourable  a Circumstance  to  our  Advantage,  etc., 
etc.  if  we  are  not  yet  ripe  for  wise,  prudent  and  Spirited  measures  when 
shall  we  be.  but  I must  leave  these  Enquiries  and  Expect  that  if  Con- 
sistent with  your  Engagements  and  Honour  you  will  tell  me  more  than  I 
ask  for.  Our  Good  Friend,  Mr.  J.  Adams,  will  set  out  in  a week  or  ten 


1 776] 


Appendix 


433 


days.  I wish  him  with  you,  as  I think  this  must  be  an  Important  Crisis 
and  I hope  will  produce  great  Events.  I am  with  the  greatest  Sincerity 
your  Friend 

[IVo  signature .] 

We  are  Improveing  the  Manufactory  of  Saltpetre  with  great  rapidity, 
we  Expect  in  three  weeks  Newberry  Port  alone  will  make  100  lbs.  per 
day.  Powder  Mills  are  also  Building. 

No  News  from  Canada  later  than  5 Dec.  when  the  Armies  were 
Joined,  reinforced  by  Canadians  and  in  good  Health  and  Spirits,  and  all 
Appearances  favourable. 

17th.  we  are  now  called  on  for  more  men  to  come  in  till  the  1st  of  April, 
seven  Regiments  to  consist  of  728  each,  Connecticut  for  four,  N.  Hamp- 
shire for  two,  in  all  thirteen,  all  which  will  but  Compleat  the  Army  to 
your  Establishment,  from  which  you  may  Judge  of  the  present  Situation 
of  it.  Two  Prizes  Carried  in  Yesterday  to  Newberry  Port  by  a small 
Privateer,  one  a Ship  from  London  with  Coal  and  Porter,  the  other  a 
Brigantine  from  Ireland  with  Provisions. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Jany.  31,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  little  more  Time  than  to  Express  my  Obliga- 
tions to  you  for  your  several  Favours  since  my  last,  if  you  conceive  the 
pleasure  with  which  I receive  and  read  your  Letters  I am  sure  your 
Benevolence  would  prompt  you  to  continue  writing  even  if  the  propor- 
tion of  your  Letters  to  mine,  I mean  in  Number,  should  be  as  six  to  one. 
Our  Valuable  Friends,  Mr.  J.  Adams,  and  Gerry,  left  us  last  Thursday, 
and  I hope  will  be  with  you  soon,  from  them  you  will  learn  the  State  of 
things  here,  Civil  and  Military,  more  Compleatly  than  I could  give  it  you 
in  a Volume.  I shall  therefore  give  you  no  Trouble  about  matters  that 
had  taken  place  before  they  left  us,  and  very  little  has  happened  since. 
Manly  last  week  took  two  Ships  from  Whitehaven,  with  Coal,  Beer, 
Potatoes,  and  some  other  small  Articles,  a Tender  came  to  their  relief 
with  a Force  superiour  to  Manley’s,  but  he  Bravely  Beat  Him  off  and 
Triumphantly  Carried  them  into  Plymouth.  Advices  from  Canada,  I sup- 
pose, you  have  as  soon  as  we.  I am  glad  to  hear  our  Friends  were  all  well 
before  Quebec  on  the  14th  Instant.  Our  Militia,  I believe,  will  Come  in 
agreable  to  the  summons  of  the  Court,  we  hear  from  some  Towns  that 
more  are  Inlisted  than  their  Quota,  and  I hope  will  Join  the  Army  at  the 
I From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


434 


[1776 


Appendix 


Time  Expected.  The  Regiments  for  Canada  are  raising  fast.  Coll.  [John] 
Fellows  raised  a Regiment  in  Berkshire  by  Gen.  Schuyler’s  Orders,  and 
these  are  gone.  I hope  that  wont  Interfere  with  [Elisha]  Porters  getting 
his  Regiment.  I hear  he  goes  on  well.  We  yesterday  proceeded  to  the 
Choice  of  Officers  of  Militia.  Coll.  Hancock  was  Unanimously  Chose  by 
the  House  the  first  Major  General.  I am  glad  to  hear  of  the  Arrival  of  so 
fine  a parcel  of  Saltpetre  at  Philadelphia.  I wish  to  hear  more  News  of 
that  kind,  what  the  Movements  of  the  Troops  in  Boston  will  be  next  I 
cant  say.  some  things  look  as  if  they  Intended  to  decamp  from  Boston, 
and  I suppose  move  South  if  they  do.  I am  glad  General  Lee  is  gone  to 
York.  I am  glad  you  have  done  Lovel  so  much  honour  and  justice.1  the 
General  sent  in  the  proposal  Yesterday.  I will  read  the  Pamphlet  you 
recommend  as  soon  as  I can  get  it  and  will  then  give  you  my  Opinion  of 
it.  I am  Obliged  to  Conclude  and  have  only  time  to  wish  you  all  Happi- 
ness and  am  with  respects  to  our  Friends  yours  etc. 

j.  W. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Watertown,  Feby.  14th,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  neglected  writeing  to  you  by  several  Oppor- 
tunities, prevented  by  various  reasons,  among  others  by  the  hurry  at- 
tending the  Close  of  a Sessions,  we  have  been  about  riseing  for  a Week 
past,  but  new  matters  Continually  pressing  upon  us  has  delayed  it  to 
this  day.  the  design  is  to  be  up  this  Evening,  but  I suspect  the  same 
Cause  will  delay  us  one  day  longer.  I have  just  left  the  House,  being  very 
unwell.  I Intend  to  set  out  for  Home  in  the  Morning,  if  I feel  any  ways 
fit  for  a journey.  I have  Endeavoured  to  get  the  Pamphlet  you  men- 
tioned, but  have  not  succeeded.  I have  not  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
Mrs.  Adams  and  cant  learn  what  the  Title  is.  however,  I Conjecture  it 
may  be  Common  Sense,  which  I have  seen,  and  am  (I  dare  say  you  will 
believe)  among  the  many  Admirers  of  it  and  therefore  shant  blame  you 
on  Account  of  its  differing  from  my  Sentiments,  the  Sentiments,  the 
principles,  and  the  whole  Book  are  prodigiously  admired  here  by  the 
best  Judges.  Doctor  Winthrop  and  Major  Hawley  are  charmed  with  it. 
we  three  should  certainly  vote  for  a declaration  of  Independence  without 
delay,  being  fully  Convinced  of  the  Advantage  and  necessity  of  it.  what 
can  prevail  with  the  Congress  to  hesitate,  when  will  the  Time  and  Cir- 
cumstances more  proper  arrive;  can  they  ever;  I dread  the  postponeing 

1 Journals  of  the  Continental  Congress,  iv.  32. 

2 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1776] 


Appendix 


435 


this  step  and  I dread  [it]  the  more  because  I find  the  House  of  Lords  have 
got  before  them  your  Petition,  if  they  accept  your  offers  and  close  with 
you  on  your  own  Terms,  how  are  you  to  get  clear  of  it.  and  if  you  cant 
where  shall  we  be  and  what  shall  we  do  next;  then  certainly  we  shall  not 
be  in  so  good  a Situation  for  such  a Measure  as  now.  besides  Spring  is 
almost  arrived,  when  we  shall  want  every  aid  and  every  Advantage, 
therefore  Guard  against  the  Embarrassments  that  may  be  the  Conse- 
quence of  Treating  and  proposals  of  reconciliation  by  takeing  a Step  in 
its  nature,  and  I hope  in  your  Intention,  as  unalterable  as  the  Laws  of 
the  Meeds,  etc.  I wish  I could  give  you  any  thing  pleasing,  or  even  new, 
but  there  is  a perfect  dearth  of  News  here,  no  military  Operations  on  our 
side  have  yet  taken  place,  the  General  is  yet  in  want  of  powder  sufficient 
to  Enable  him  to  Undertake  any  thing  of  Consequence,  last  Night  a de- 
tachment of  the  Enemy  got  on  Dorchester  Hill,  Burnt  several  Buildings, 
and  took  four  or  five  prisoners,  and  then  retreated  without  any  loss.  I 
cant  Ascertain  the  perticulars  of  this  Affair,  which  tho’  not  great  is  some- 
what Mortifying,  no  prizes  lately  taken,  we  have  ordered  a Committee 
to  furnish  you  with  our  Journals  and  Acts  as  fast  as  they  are  printed,  by 
which  you  will  be  able  to  form  some  Judgment  how  we  spend  our  Time, 
the  Reinforcement  of  the  Army  by  our  Militia  is  more  than  equal  to  my 
Expectations  and  I believe  equal  to  the  call  for  them.  I hope  to  hear 
from  you  soon,  where  is  your  fleet,  my  regards  to  Mr.  J.  Adams  and 
Gerry,  and  Coll.  Hancock.  I shall  write  to  Mr.  Adams  by  first  Oppor- 
tunity. I cant  add  more  this  Evening  but  that  I am  your  Friend. 

[iVo  signature.] 

I am  directed  by  the  House  to  desire  our  delegates  to  furnish  us  with 
three  or  four  sets  of  the  printed  Journals  of  your  August  Body.  I have 
lost  the  Vote  or  would  Inclose  it. 

We  have  not  surmounted  all  our  difficulties  in  forming  the  Militia  by 
Compleating  the  Bill,  the  House  chose  Coll.  Hancock  the  first,  your 
Humble  Servant  the  Second  and  Coll.  [Azor]  Orne  the  third  Major  Gen- 
erals. the  Board  nonconcurred  the  second,  because  they  think,  as  they 
say,  the  Choice  militates  with  a Clause  in  the  Act,  forgetting  it  did  as 
much  so  with  the  Choice  of  several  of  their  Honours,  as  military  Officers, 
Brigadiers,  etc.  the  Vote  by  means  of  the  nonconcurrence  is  again  before 
us.  I am  unable  to  say  what  the  House  will  do  with  it.  Orne  refuses. 
Coll.  Hancock  is  objected  to  as  being  unable  to  attend,  etc.  it  lays  for  the 
present  and  will  till  next  Session.  Thompson  for  Cumberland  is  among 
the  Brigadiers  and  concurred,  and  gives  much  uneasiness  in  that  County, 
and  I suppose  some  others  will  in  others.  I am  glad  to  be  out  of  the  List, 
but  the  Council  have  done  it  in  a manner  as  ungracious  and  Indelicate  as 


436 


Appendix 


[ 1776 


Bernard  or  Hutchinson  would  have  done;  for  which  reason  I have  serious 
thoughts  of  quiting  my  civil  commission  and  [ illegible ] an  Independent 
[illegible]  Saltpetre  comes  in  finely  and  we  have  given  Encouragement 
to  Build  two  more  powder  mills. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Plymo.,  Feby.  28th,  1776 

My  Dear  Str,  — I have  been  at  Home  near  a fortnight  and  dureing 
the  whole  time  have  been  very  111  and  am  so  yet.  I can  only  Inclose  you 
a Letter  from  London  which  came  this  Evening  to  my  hands  in  the  Shat- 
tered Condition  you  will  find  it,  having  narrowly  Escaped  the  flames  to 
which  it  was  Committed  with  a large  Number  of  others  to  Escape  the  In- 
spection of  the  Pirates  in  the  Channel  and  was  saved  with  one  other  for 
the  General  and  one  for  Doctor  Franklin  by  the  Assiduity  of  Mr.  Fur- 
nace who  was  a Passenger  on  Board  and  who  Informs  me  that  thirty- 
nine  Commissioners  are  comeing  out  to  treat  with  the  several  Colonies, 
three  to  each,  they  are  to  disown  your  Authority,  this  policy  is  as  flimsy 
as  the  rest  of  their  Conduct,  do  take  Care  that  they  all  give  the  same 
Answer  - — that  is,  refer  them  to  you.  Adeu. 

J.  w. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  2 

Watertown,  May  2,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — No  Abatement  of  Affection  or  Inclination  to  Cor- 
respond with  my  much  Esteemed  Friend,  but  want  of  Health,  and  Con- 
sequently Spirits,  Joined  to  the  few  Occurrences  that  take  place  here  of 
late,  are  the  true  reasons  that  I have  wrote  so  seldom  to  you.  I am  much 
obliged  to  you  for  your  agreable  favour  of  April  16.3  I perfectly  agree 
with  you  in  the  sentiments  there  Expressed,  it  is  really  surpriseing  to  me 
that  a matter  of  so  great  Consequence  should  be  delayed  so  long.  G. 
Britain  is  Engageing  Hessians,  Hanoverians  and  all  the  powers  of  Earth 
and  Hell  they  can  against  us,  and  we  delay  the  only  measure  that  would 
determine  any  one  Power  to  Act  a part  favourable  to  us.  it  may  be  said 
that  your  late  Resolves  with  regard  to  armed  Vessels  and  Trade  may  be 
considered  as  such,  it  is  true  they  seem  to  be  connected  with  a declara- 
tion of  Independence,  [but]  seem  rather  a consequence  than  a prior  Step. 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Ibid.  3 Vol.  1.  224,  supra. 


1776] 


437 


Appendix 


that  declaration  should  therefore  be  Explicitly  made  first  and  these  fol- 
lowing would  have  Evinced  our  determination  to  act  such  a part  as 
would  Intitle  us  to  the  Confidence  of  other  Nations.  I hope,  however,  the 
wisdom  of  Congress  will  steer  things  in  such  a Channel  as  at  least  to  make 
a diversion  in  our  favour  in  Europe,  surely  the  favourable  Opportunity 
the  Enemies  of  Britain  have  while  their  strength  is  thus  Employed  abroad 
in  the  ridiculous  manner  it  is  will  not  fail  to  be  Embraced.  Our  Eyes  are 
upon  Heaven  and  you.  what  shall  I say  to  you  about  your  dear  Colony. 
Things  look  rather  dull  and  gloomy  here.  The  Troops  left  here  are  too 
few  in  my  Opinion  and  want  that  Animation  necessary  to  make  them 
serviceable,  in  Consequence  of  it  little  has  been  done,  I mean  Compara- 
tively, to  fortify  the  Town  of  Boston,  six  weeks  are  elapsed  and  not  so 
much  done  as  you  would  have  Expected  in  two.  however,  they  are  now 
in  a way  to  do  something.  Fort  Hill  in  a tolerable  state  of  defence;  some 
very  good  works  at  Charlestown,  Dorchester,  and  others  going  on  at 
Castle  Island,  to  aid  this  Business  we  have  been  obliged  to  call  in  some 
six  Coast  men,  to  Hire  others  by  the  month,  and  to  order  a Regiment  of 
728  men  to  be  raised,  this  last  goes  on  heavily,  what  the  reasons  are  I 
am  not  able  to  say,  but  it  alarms  me  much  to  find  this  Colony  already 
Involved  in  any  difficulty  to  raise  one  Regiment,  when  I think  the  En- 
couragement is  good,  our  Politicians  in  General  Court  have  been  En- 
gaged too  much  in  small  Innovations  of  our  Internal  Police,  such  as  Con- 
fession Bills,  Fee  Bills,  etc.,  which  do  not  relate  to  the  grand  Question, 
which  is  Extensive  enough  to  Employ  the  most  Enlarged  Genius  and 
Employ  all  our  Time,  is  not  this  like  picking  up  pins  while  the  Ship  is 
sinking,  thus  far  have  I wrote,  but  was  Interrupted  by  Company,  shall 
be  able  to  add  only. 

May  3d.  This  Morning  3 o Clock  I was  called  up  by  an  Express  who 
brought  the  Inclosed,  the  hurry  this  occasions  will  save  you  a longer 
letter.  I always  Apprehended  they  would  not  leave  Boston,  you  will  be 
able  to  make  your  own  Judgment  on  this  matter,  and  I dare  say  the 
Congress  will  Conduct  on  this  Occasion  with  their  usual  Wisdom.  I pre- 
sume as  soon  as  the  Court  can  be  Collected  this  morning  they  will  send 
Expresses  to  General  Washington,  etc.,  perhaps  not  to  Congress,  suppose- 
ing  you  will  have  it  from  him.1  I am  Dear  Sir  with  proper  regards  to  all 
Friends  yours  sincerely. 

[No  signature.] 

I believe  you  will  want  a Paymaster  in  your  Eastern  department.  I am 
sure  you  want  money  here.  Your  Service  is  much  Injured  by  the  Soldiers 
not  haveing  their  pay  according  to  Engagements.  I am  Concerned  for  the 
1 Writings  of  Washington  (Ford),  iv.  Gjn. 


43§ 


Appendix 


[1776 


publick  Credit  and  I am  sure  it  is  good  policy  to  have  your  Bills  in  as 
many  hands  as  they  are  due  to. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  August  15,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I have  not  wrote  to  you  since  you  have  been  a 
Member  of  a free  and  Independent  State.  I must,  therefore,  first  Con- 
gratulate you  on  an  Event  which,  I presume,  is  as  agreeable  to  you  as  any 
that  could  take  place.  I wish  you  may  live  and  Enjoy  it  in  full  health 
many  Years.  I want  to  know  what  you  are  about  now.  how  goes  on  the 
Confederation,  foreign  Alliances  and  some  other  great  matters.  I seem  to 
think  that  they  will  (now  your  declaration  is  made)  go  on  more  smoothly 
than  before.  I wish  I could  give  you  anything  of  Consequence  from  here, 
but  what  you  are  already  informed  of.  Our  Attention  is  turned  to  the 
Motions  of  the  Armies  at  New  York  and  we  are  with  anxious  Solicitude 
every  day  Expecting  great  Events.  I hope  when  they  come  they  will  be 
favourable  to  us. 

The  Spirit  of  Privateering  prevails  here  greatly,  the  Success  of  those 
that  have  before  Engaged  in  that  Business  has  been  sufficient  to  make  a 
whole  Country  privateering  mad.  many  kinds  of  West  india  Goods  that 
we  used  to  be  told  we  should  suffer  for  want  of,  are  now  plentier  and 
cheaper  than  I have  known  them  for  many  Years. 

An  Opinion  prevails  here,  and  I think  now  without  foundation,  that 
the  Hessians  will  not  fight  till  a Carteel  for  the  Exchange  of  Prisoners  is 
settled,  would  it  not  therefore  be  Excellent  policy  to  refuse  to  settle  one 
that  should  Include  them.  You  will  have  heard  of  the  Reception  and 
polite  Treatment  Lord  Howe  gave  Mr.  Tracey  when  he  went  on  Board  his 
Ship  to  get  an  Exchange  of  Prisoners,  for  the  purpose  of  geting  his 
Brother  and  Crew  from  Hallifax.2  he  must  have  had  some  views  more 
than  politeness  or  Benevolence  dictated,  or  he  never  would  have  Con- 
versed with  him  as  he  did.  it  was  really  a piece  of  finesse.  I am  not  in  a 
Condition  to  write  this  Morning  nor  should  I have  done  it,  but  after  so 
long  a silence  to  tell  you  that  my  Esteem  and  regard  for  my  Friend  Mr. 
Adams  is  as  great  as  ever  and  to  Express  my  Concern  for  your  Health.  I 
am  sorry  to  hear  it  is  declineing,  tho  I cant  wonder  at  it.  such  long  and 
Intense  Application  in  a place  so  unhealthy  must  be  too  much  for  a firmer 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 The  privateer  Yankee  Hero,  of  Newburyport,  James  Tracy,  commander,  was  taken 
in  June,  1776,  by  the  British  ship  Milford.  The  prisoners  were  brought  to  Marblehead  in 
December,  1776.  The  brother’s  name  was  Robert  Tracy. 


1776] 


439 


Appendix 


Constitution  than  yours.  I am  sensible  of  the  Importance  of  your  being 
at  Congress  at  this  time  and  I know  the  reluctance  you  have  at  leaveing 
your  Duty  there ; but  your  health  must  be  attended  to.  we  shall  want  you 
again,  you  must  therefore  take  a ride  and  Relax  your  Mind  and  Breath 
some  of  our  Northern  Elastic  Air.  Mr.  Gerry  is  here  and  Intends  to  set 
out  for  Philadelphia  on  Monday  next.  My  regards  to  Mr.  Adams.  I am 
your  Friend, 

J.W. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Watertown,  Octr.  24th,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — I Received  yours  from  Springfield  and  shall  pay  a 
proper  regard  to  the  Contents,  have  also  spoke  to  Major  Hawley  as  you 
desired.  I believe  there  will  be  no  danger  of  Barber’s  failing,  since  you 
left  us  we  have  been  Engaged  almost  wholly  about  raising  our  Quota  of 
Men.  we  have  Committees  gone  to  each  Camp  with  great  Encourage- 
ment in  Addition  to  yours,  and  we  have  further  Instructed  them  to 
Consult  with  the  Generals  and  if  they  desired  that  our  Militia  now  in  the 
Army  and  Engaged  to  the  17th  Novr.  and  first  of  December  should  be 
Continued,  that  they  Endeavour  to  prevail  with  them  to  remain  to  the 
first  of  Feby.  and  to  Engage  them,  three  pounds  per  mo.  from  17th  Nov. 
this  thing  with  a Representation  made  to  Congress  by  a Committee,  and 
which  you  will  see  before  this  reaches  you,  was  done  when  we  received 
Advice  of  the  progress  of  our  Enemies  on  the  Lake  and  soon  got  a Copy  of 
a Letter  Genl.  Schuyler  sent  to  the  Berkshire  Committees,  we  have  now 
a Committee  Considering  what  further  aid  we  can  give  the  Northern 
Army,  the  Militia  of  Hampshire  and  Berkshire  that  have  Arms  are  al- 
ready marched.  I believe  we  shall  send  up  Ammunition  and  what  Arms 
we  have  to  those  Counties,  and  provide  some  more  men  below.  I hope 
their  Career  will  be  stoped.  it  would  be  a Misfortune  indeed  to  have 
either  of  our  Armies  routed,  we  are  this  day  designing  to  pass  on  a 
Commission  for  a Committee  of  War,  who  are  to  be  vested  with  ample 
powers  and  Consequently  may  relieve  the  Assembly,  dispatch  Business 
and  save  money,  we  have  no  other  News  from  any  quarter,  a few  prizes 
are  daily  dropping  in.  it  is  reported  that  a ship  with  forty  light  Horse  on 
Board  has  been  taken  in  the  Channel  of  England  by  a Salem  Privateer 
after  an  Obstinate  Engagement,  in  which  the  privateer  lost  seventeen 
men.  we  are  about  moveing  to  Boston,  haveing  taken  the  Room  belonging 
to  the  County.  A Committee  are  Enlargeing  and  prepareing  the  Repre- 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


44°  Appendix  [ 1776 


sentatives  Room  and  say  it  will  be  finished  next  Tuesday,  many  of  our 
Members,  however,  go  with  reluctance  and  it  will  delay  it  as  much  as 
possible,  but  these  are  small  matters  in  Comparison  of  those  which  may 
be  the  Consequences  of  a General  Action  at  York  or  Ticonderoga,  and  of 
those  of  forming  a new  Army,  etc.  God  Grant  us  Success  in  both.  I am  an 
Enthusiast.  I have  full  Confidence  we  shall  succeed,  tho’  some  things 
appear  rather  against  us.  I sent  forward  your  Letter  to  Mrs.  Adams.  I 
hope  to  hear  from  you  and  of  your  safe  Arrival  at  Philadelphia.  I am  with 
great  Sincerity  your  Friend 

J.  w. 

My  regards  to  Mr.  Gerry.  I wrote  to  him  last  Sunday  by  the  Express. 
Mr.  Adams  passed  through  this  Town  last  Tuesday  when  the  Court  was 
setting,  without  seeing  or  being  seen  by  any  Body. 

Our  Naval  Operations  are  Counteracted  and  discouraged  by  many 
sagacious  devises  of  our  Enemies  or  pretended  Friends,  but  truly  the 
lovers  of  Mammon,  some  of  which  I think  should  be  Immediately  rem- 
edied. A Vessel  is  sent  out  with  orders  to  return  directly  back,  or  with 
Letters  of  that  purpose,  but  designed  only  to  shew  upon  a certain  Occa- 
sion. She  is  on  her  arrival  in  the  West  Indies,  Britain,  or  some  such  places 
Registered  in  the  Name  of  some  Person  there,  and  then  is  Completely 
fixed  [fitted],  the  last  is  to  Guard  her  against  the  British  Cruisers,  and  if 
she  is  taken  by  ours,  she  is  Claimed  by  the  Original  Owner,  and  the  other 
said  to  be  only  designed  for  a protection  against  the  Men  of  war,  and  to 
support  the  pretence  the  Orders  and  Letters  are  Advanced,  by  this  means 
a very  profitable  Trade  is  Carried  on  to  Hallifax,  Newfoundland,  the  W. 
India  Islands,  etc.,  etc.,  and  when  they  have  been  taken  many  of  them 
have  been  [torn].  The  Anxiety  for  the  Event  of  the  present  Campaign  is 
great,  this  is  not  to  be  wondered  at.  the  Exultation  and  Tryumphing  of 
the  Tories  is  Intolerable,  our  want  of  Spirit  to  Crush  them  Contemptible; 
but  above  all  the  Indiscretion  and  Timidity  of  many  of  our  Whiggs  is 
truely  ridiculous,  tho’  dangerous,  being  Calculated  to  aid  and  promote  a 
general  panic  upon  [any]  reverse  of  our  Affairs,  a thing  more  [to  be] 
dreaded  than  almost  any  thing. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Novr.  18th,  1776 

My  Dear  Sir,  — we  are  again  set  down  in  our  Ancient  and  most  Con- 
venient Seat , your  dear  Town  of  Boston,  where  we  proceed  in  Business 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1776] 


Appendix 


44 1 


with  a dispatch  that  Evinces  the  Conveniency  of  doing  Business  here, 
haveing  done  more  in  the  week  we  have  been  here  than  we  should  have 
done  in  two  at  Watertown,  we  have  chosen  our  delegates  for  the  Ensuing 
Year,  all  the  old  ones  were  Chose  by  a great  Majority  and  some  of  you  al- 
most Unanimously,  to  you  we  have  added  Mr.  Dana  and  Mr.  James 
Lovel,  who  we  hear  is  arrived  at  the  Jerseys,  we  have  passed  an  Act  for 
Reinforcing  the  Army  in  good  Season  to  furnish  4000  men  requested  by 
Genl.  Washington,  if  they  shall  be  still  wanted;  tho’  by  the  Intelligence 
we  have  of  the  retreat  of  the  Army  from  Crown  Point,  and  the  rumour  of 
the  retreat  of  the  British  Army  to  the  City  of  New  York,  we  flatter  our- 
selves this  Campaign  is  at  an  End.  we  have  formed  a Board  of  War,  with 
a very  Extensive  Commission,  and  appropriated  to  their  disposition 
£200,000  to  purchase  every  thing  necessary  to  Enable  us  to  Act  vigorously 
the  next  Year,  this  Liberal  Grant  from  our  House,  possessed  of  such  a 
portion  of  Saveing  Grace  as  they  are,  may  shew  how  much  we  are  in 
Earnest,  if  there  be  now  an  End  of  the  Campaign,  dont  Britain  make  a 
Contemptible  figure,  now  I have  given  you  an  Account  of  some  of  our 
doings  shall  I Enquire  what  your  high  Mightinesses  are  about,  where  is 
your  Confederation,  are  your  Embassadors  gone,  etc.,  etc.  I wish  I 
could  Entertain  you  with  any  News  of  Importance  but  I can  only  tell 
you  of  prizes  taken,  but  this  is  become  so  common  that  we  hardly  hear  of 
them  ourselves,  unless  they  are  from  Europe  with  such  Articles  as  we 
want  much,  and  very  rich  besides,  we  have  had  divers  such  lately.  A 
report  prevails  this  day  that  Howe  is  Embarking  his  Troops,  which 
occasions  many  Conjectures  about  the  place  of  their  destination.  I forgot 
to  tell  you  that  this  Harbour  really  looks  Brilliant  and  Grand,  as  full  of 
Ships  as  in  the  more  flourishing  State  of  Commerce,  and  all  but  a few 
armed  Vessels  prizes,  you  will  please  to  remember  that  I have  not  a Line 
from  you  since  your  Arrival  at  Philadelphia.  My  regards  to  my  good 
Friend  Mr.  Gerry.  I am  assuredly  yours,  etc. 

[Ao  signature .] 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Deer.  29th,  1776 

My  dear  Sir,  — Since  my  last  I have  several  of  your  favours,  that  of 
the  4th  Instant  I received  yesterday  and  one  of  the  12th  this  day  by 
Mr.  Brown.  I hear  there  is  one  other  in  town  which  in  my  Absence  has 
been  opened  by  the  Council  and  is  yet  in  the  possession  of  some  of 
them  and  contains  some  matters  of  secrecy  and  Importance,  why  I dont 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


442 


Appendix 


[ 1776 


get  it  remains  to  some  of  them  to  Account  for.  they  have  frequently 
served  me  in  this  way  lately,  under  pretence  of  the  letters  being  publick 
ones,  for  which  reason  I could  wish  my  Friends  would  not  in  future  direct 
to  me  as  Speaker  of  the  House.  I own  I am  astonished  to  find  such  a Leth- 
argy and  want  of  principle,  a spirit  prevailing  in  any  one  of  the  United 
Colonies,  as  to  suffer  an  Army  of  10  or  15,000,  or  even  double  that  number 
to  traverse  through  the  heart  of  it  with  as  little  Interruption  as  a Man  in 
times  of  profound  peace  might  make  a Journey,  this  has  furnished  me 
with  Ideas  intirely  new  and  given  me  more  anxiety  than  my  own  Ap- 
prehensions, or  any  thing  that  ever  before  took  place  have  suggested, 
the  Triumph  of  our  Enemies  and  the  disgrace  to  the  Country  mortify  me 
much,  but  dont  discourage  me.  I have  full  faith  and  Confidence  we  shall 
yet  prevail,  were  I to  see  an  Experiment  of  the  like  kind  tried  here  with 
like  success,  I should  think  I had  never  Entertained  proper  Sentiments  of 
this  Country  or  the  Contest  we  are  Engaged  in;  but  till  I do  I shall  be- 
lieve the  Event  of  such  a project  here  would  be  such  as  you  and  I could 
wish.  I believe  our  hardy  Countrymen  would  soon  make  such  an  Army 
repent  their  rashness  and  cut  them  to  pieces  before  they  should  march 
thirty  miles,  but  how  comes  it  to  pass  that  such  an  Event  should  take 
place  any  where,  is  it  not  oweing  to  the  Indecition  of  Congress,  to  their 
delays,  to  the  Lenity  and  Indulgence  every  where  shewn  our  Internal 
Enemies,  by  which  they  have  had  Opportunities  and  Improved  them  to 
destroy  the  principle  and  spirit  of  defence,  which  was  once  vigorous 
enough  any  where  to  prevent  such  a disgrace,  had  Congress  taken  the 
same  measures  for  forming  an  Army  last  June  which  they  did  in  Septr., 
we  should  before  this  have  had  a fine  Army  on  foot,  well  Cloathed  and 
supplyed  with  everything,  and  the  British  Army  probably  cooped  up  in  a 
Garrison  under  the  Cannon  of  their  Ships,  Cut  to  pieces,  or  gone  of  in 
disgrace,  had  Congress  last  winter  instead  of  this  gone  in  Earnest  into  a 
Treaty  with  other  powers,  it  would  have  Encouraged  your  friends  and 
silenced  your  Enemies.  I feel  every  day  Embarrassment  from  their  most 
Inveterate  of  all  Enemies  among  ourselves;  their  secret  Operations  have 
always  Injured  us,  Countermined  now  by  our  Absurd  policy  of  foolish 
Lenity  towards  them  and  supported  by  Hopes  from  the  small  Advan- 
tages gained  by  the  Enemy,  they  dare  act  their  part  without  disguise, 
they  poison  the  minds  of  the  people,  Interrupt  our  best  measures  and,  in 
some  measure,  prevent  our  raising  the  Army  so  fast  as  I could  wish, 
however,  I have  the  pleasure  to  tell  you  that  the  prospects  with  regard  to 
our  quota  are  good,  many  are  Inlisted  and  many  are  daily  Inlisting, 
large  quantities  of  Cloathing  have  been  and  now  are  providing  with  In- 
dustry and  success,  some  of  which  is  gone  forward,  the  Alfred  prize  is 
arrived  with  Cloathing  for  twelve  Regiments  and  a large  quantity  of 


1776] 


Appendix 


443 


Blankets,  tho’  at  the  same  time  I must  Lament  the  Loss  of  one  of  your 
Vessels  lately  taken  by  the  Enemy,  with  a large  quantity  of  powder  and 
some  arms.  I am  told  one  Bunker  was  the  Master.  I had  before  formed 
my  Opinion  of  your  “Excellent  superlatively  wise  and  great  patriot.”  I 
despise  his  Timidity  and  Inconsistency.  I have  long  dreaded  their  Ef- 
fects. however,  we  are  really  Engaged  in  the  Cause  of  God  and  Men,  and 
I trust  neither  the  Folly  or  wickedness  of  any  Individual  or  Number  of 
Men  will  prevent  a happy  Issue.  Mr.  P[aine],  I suppose,  has  got  Home. 
I wish  him  the  Enjoyment  of  domestic  Felicity.  I am  glad  to  find  you 
approveing  our  Choice  of  Delegates.  I cant  say  when  Mr.  Adams  pro- 
poses to  go.  I am  sensible  you  must  want  him,  but  I believe  he  dont  go 
very  soon.  Mr.  Dana  and  Lovel,  I suppose,  go  this  week.  I condole  with 
you  on  the  Loss  of  General  Lee.  this  Misfortune  is  greatly  Lamented 
here,  how  could  he  be  so  Improvident  as  to  suffer  himself  to  be  so  Ex- 
posed to  the  Treachery  of  Rascals  about  him  or  to  be  taken  in  such  a 
manner  by  a few  light  Horse,  we  are  in  daily  and  anxious  Expectation  of 
hearing  the  Issue  of  a general  Action,  the  Lord  Grant  it  may  be  in  our 
favour.  I hope  they  will  neither  get  the  Congress  Napping  or  any  other 
way.  I like  some  of  the  materials  of  it  too  well  to  wish  a Change  of  the 
whole.  I am  pleased  to  hear  that  our  Affairs  abroad  wear  a good  Aspect. 
Our  Attention  is  turned  almost  wholly  on  the  war  in  general  and  the 
particular  defence  of  this  State,  you  know  what  situation  you  left  this 
Town  in.  it  has  since  been  Improveing  and  will  I hope  soon  be  in  a good 
posture  of  defence,  however,  I could  wish  there  was  more  Firmness  and 
Spirit  in  our  Councils,  there  is  an  Instability  and  versa[ti]lity  in  them 
that  by  no  means  pleases  me  and  I think  Injures  the  good  Cause,  many 
things  take  place  that  I dont  like  and  many  are  omitted  that  I do.  I feel 
the  want  of  that  Connection  I used  to  have,  we  have  many  new  people 
and  some  old  ones  that  are  Timid  and  want  firm  Nerves,  and  others 
seven  Years  behind  us  in  politicks,  however,  will  do  as  well  as  I can; 
sufficient  for  you  are  your  own  difficulties.  I am  apprised  of  the  regard 
the  British  Government  have  for  us.  I shall  do  all  I can  to  be  provided 
for  them  in  the  Spring,  and  tho’  I should  deprecate  my  Country’s  being 
the  seat  of  War  on  any  other  Occasion,  supposeing  it  best  for  the  whole, 
I should  be  willing,  now  my  dependence  is  on  Providence  and  our  own 
Exertions,  and  will  think  them  sufficient.  I hope  there  will  be  no  Occa- 
sion for  foreign  Troops  here.  A Diversion  in  the  West  Indies  or  else- 
where might  answer  our  purposes  as  well.  My  Compliments  to  my  good 
Friend  Mr.  Gerry,  shall  write  him  soon.  Adeu,  my  good  Friend.  I wish 
you  the  Blessings  of  Heaven  and  am,  etc.  [Ao  signature.] 

The  Troops  are  Embarking  or  Embarkd  at  Rhode  Island,  but  where 


4-44 


Appendix 


[i  ill 


Bound  we  know  not.  one  of  your  armed  Schooners  formerly  Com- 
manded by  Burke  and  some  time  ago  taken  by  the  Enemy,  last  week  in  a 
Storm  run  into  a Harbour  nigh  Portsmouth,  the  Crew  50  in  Number 
delivered  up  the  Vessel  and  themselves  prisoners. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Feby.  2d,  1777 

My  dear  Sir,  — I had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  yours  of  the  8th  Jany, 
three  days  ago.  I have  not  been  negligent  of  the  hint  you  mention,  but 
have  been  greatly  at  a loss  in  what  manner  to  put  it  in  Execution  here 
that  would  not  at  the  same  time  destroy  all  hopes  of  Success,  the  neces- 
sity of  Communicating  it  to  so  many  would  certainly  have  that  Effect. 
I am,  therefore,  glad  to  hear  that  you  have  fallen  on  other  measures  not 
liable  to  that  Objection.  I wish  it  may  be  Attended  with  success.  It  will 
certainly  be  an  Important  Event  if  Effected.  I shall  let  it  sleep  in  Ob- 
livion till  I hear  of  the  Attempt.  I am  glad  to  hear  that  our  Troops  and 
some  of  our  Officers  have  Obtained  a Name  and  a Character  in  the  Army. 
I Enjoy  and  sincerely  Congratulate  you  on  the  agreable  reverse  of  our 
Affairs.  The  Incursion  of  the  Enemy  into  the  Jersies,  though  it  at  first 
gave  great  Spirit  to  our  Internal  Enemies  and  damped  the  Spirits  of  such 
of  our  Friends  as  are  Constituted  only  to  sail  before  the  wind,  has  al- 
ready turned  much  to  our  Advantage,  the  late  success  of  our  Arms  has 
Blasted  and  Confounded  the  Hopes  and  Insolence  of  the  one,  and  in- 
spired the  other  with  a degree  of  resolution  that  may  last  till  the  next 
Misfortune.  We  have,  indeed,  had  enough  to  do  with  the  sauciness  of  the 
Tories,  and  the  Timidity  and  wretched  folly  of  many  of  the  whigs.  the 
Events  of  War  are  uncertain,  but  I think  we  have  much  to  hope  for  from 
the  present  Enterpriseing  Spirit  of  the  Army,  when  you  please  you  will 
give  me  the  reason  why  the  resolution  you  mention  was  not  Communi- 
cated to  me.  you  have  raised  my  Curiosity  with  regard  to  this  matter. 
I hope  your  Resolution  with  respect  to  the  Officers  in  your  hands  will  not 
abate  if  Genl.  Lee  should  be  treated  in  the  manner  you  Expect.  Lenity 
and  even  kindness  and  Tenderness  on  our  Side  is  want  of  policy  when 
Opposed  to  Barbarity  on  the  other.  I have  great  Expectations  from  the 
present  Spirit  of  Congress,  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  hear  things  go 
agreable  to  your  Mind,  while  they  do  I ever  presume  they  are  Conducted 
to  the  Advantage  of  the  Country,  what  the  perticulars  are  I do  not  En- 
quire, but  Consider  as  the  Arcana  of  State,  however,  if  I may  Conjecture 
that  the  forming  a General  Constitution  be  one  subject.  I hope  to  hear 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1777] 


Appendix 


445 


soon  that  it  is  Compleated  and  that  in  the  Execution  of  it  the  defects  and 
wretched  management  in  the  old  Country  will  be  Avoided.  Pensions  and 
Sinecures  will  be  an  Abhorrence  to  the  present  Age,  and  does  it  not  ap- 
proach nearly  to  them  to  keep  up  one  of  the  highest  Officers  with  pay  and 
perquisites  with  the  Command  of  a very  Inferiour  one.  it  is  a Charming 
thing  to  be  a favourite  at  Court,  had  I been  so  lucky,  the  paymaster’s 
pay  and  perquisites  might  have  been  Continued  to  me  to  this  time,  my 
resignation  Notwithstanding.  I dont  mention  this  as  a thing  I wish.  I 
should  despise  the  Pay,  etc.,  of  a Major  General  without  doing  the  Duty, 
or  flying  to  the  Assistance  of  a Neighbouring  State  if  attacked,  if  there 
be  now  Existing  any  such  Instance  you  may  depend  on  its  being  the  sub- 
ject of  Conversation,  if  any  such  should  hereafter  Exist  do  define  the 
powers  with  which  he  is  Invested,  that  we  may  know  whether  it  is  neces- 
sary for  the  Court  to  Interpose  upon  the  smallest  Occasions  — the  move- 
ing  a single  Company  or  furnishing  them  with  a Blanket  or  a Dinner, 
sat  verbum  sapienti.  my  Friend  Gerry  has  a Compleat  Idea  of  what 
has  taken  place  before  now.  My  Friend  Mr.  Adams  gave  me  the  Slip 
and  left  me  disappointed  in  looseing  an  Opportunity  of  saying  many 
things  to  him  which  I had  prepared  for  the  parting  Interview.  I shall 
persecute  him  with  Letters  as  soon  as  I can.  I hope  he  is  well  and  now 
with  you,  and  also  Mr.  Lovel,  by  whom  I wrote  you.  we  have  no  kind  of 
News,  we  are  on  the  Eve  of  a three  weeks  recess  which,  if  nothing  takes 
place  to  prevent,  will  Commence  in  a day  or  two,  haveing  passed  a Bill 
against  Treason,  a Tax  Bill,  and  one  or  two  others,  and  varied  our  deter- 
minations about  raiseing  the  Army  till  it  is  become  almost  a Byword, 
and  the  Business  much  delayed,  how  many  Men  are  Engaged  I know  not. 
I believe  a Considerable  Number,  the  whole  would  soon  be  got  if  we  were 
steady,  but  we  have  lately  passed  and  sent  out  a new  resolve,  bitterly 
against  my  Sentiments,  holding  up  a design  of  levying  them  on  the 
Towns.  I fear  the  Operation  of  this  will  be  to  stop  any  further  Inlist- 
ments  till  the  Soldiers  can  Extort  from  their  Townsmen  fifty  Dollars 
apiece  in  addition  to  the  Bounty  already  given.  I wish  you  Health  and 
happiness  and  am,  with  regards  to  my  Good  Friends,  yours  sincerely. 

[iVo  signature.] 

Brigadier  Knox  is  here  and  has  sent  in  a Memorial  and  desired  the 
Bounty  we  give  to  the  fifteen  Battalions  may  be  given  to  four  others  now 
to  be  raised,  it  seems  to  be  Curious  to  have  one  of  your  Generals  peti- 
tioner for  this  Bounty,  but  how  they  can  be  raised  without  I know  not. 
however,  it  is  not  Complyed  with. 

This  Town  is  full  of  People  of  Consequence,  your  Promotions  are  rapid 
and  the  Increase  of  the  Army  has  Multiplied  Officers  so  that  they  are  as 


44-6 


Appendix 


[1777 


numerous  here  as  the  British  Officers  used  to  be.  I feel  like  a very  In- 
considerable person  and  that  it  is  time  for  me  to  retire  to  my  Farm,  etc., 
etc.,  but  this  Letter  is  long  enough.  Adeu. 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Plymo.,  Febry.  24th,  1777 

My  dear  Sir,  — I have  now  for  a rarity  been  at  Home  a fortnight 
where  I had  the  pleasure  of  receiveing  your  favour  of  the  1st  Instant  two 
days  ago.  I have  a prospect  of  being  at  home  one  week  more  and  then  the 
Court  meets  again.  I never  at  Home  or  Abroad  received  a Line  from  you 
that  was  displeasing  to  me.  I never  received  one  that  did  not  give  me 
great  pleasure.  I always  Consider  them  as  favours  and  Endeavour  in 
some  measure  to  deserve  them,  if  my  Friend  had  been  Capable  of  being 
Infected  with  the  111  humours  of  any  Man,  I should  have  suspected  he  had 

caught  a little  of  the  pevishness  of  the when  he  seems  to  have  lost 

his  Confidence  in  the  Attention  and  Affection  of  his  Friend,  it  was  cer- 
tainly a fortunate  Circumstance  that  Mr.  Lovel  arrived  as  he  did,  with  a 
full  Conviction  of  both,  to  be  serious  I do  Employ  every  leisure  hour  in 
writeing  to  you  and  my  other  friends,  but  I have  been  Extreemly  En- 
gaged in  Business  and  greatly  fatigued.  I have  since  that  by  Mr.  Lovel 
wrote  you  a very  long  Letter  by  Mr.  Bromfield,  which  I hope  you  have 
received  by  this  time.  I did  not,  however,  give  you  any  Account  of  the 
reception  the  proceedings  of  the  Committees  you  mention,  supposeing  it 
would  be  taken  for  granted  that  they  were  agreable  to  the  New  England 
Assemblies  whose  Committees  they  were,  and  indeed  this  was  the  fact, 
they  were  received,  believed  and  submitted  to  like  the  doctrines  of  holy 
writt.  A quotation  from  the  report  of  the  Convention  would  silence  any 
Man  and  knock  down  all  Opposition  at  once,  and  this  was  really  carried 
a great  length  with  regard  to  the  whole,  and  in  general  was  and  is  Uni- 
versally the  case.  A Spirit  of  Enthusiasm  prevailed  with  regard  to  this 
matter,  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  Audacity  of  a few  who  ventured  at  the 
hazard  of  their  reputation  to  question  the  policy  of  some  part  of  the  report, 
we  might  have  been  Involved  in  greater  Confusion  than  we  are.  I recol- 
lect, however,  but  one  Instance,  the  Convention  reported  that  the 
Bounty  to  be  given  to  the  Soldiers  in  the  N.  England  States  should  be 
no  more  than  £10.  each.  I was  always  for  giveing  a Bounty  to  the  Soldier 
in  Addition  to  that  given  by  Congress,  supposeing  that  Justice  required 
it.  but  I always  wished  it  should  be  small,  and  ever  Opposed  the  Ex- 
travagant Measures  taken  with  regard  to  that  matter,  but  when  the 
1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1777] 


Appendix 


447 


measures  were  once  Adopted  and  when  I saw  the  fatal  Influence  of  the 
Versatility  of  our  Counsels  and  the  Continual  Change  of  our  Measures 
both  with  regard  to  raising  our  quota  of  the  Army  and  the  Authority  of 
our  Government,  I was  for  Adhering  to  our  former  measures  as  the  least 
of  two  Errors,  and  for  being  steady  for  once  and  avoiding  the  great  Con- 
fusions that  would  Ensue  from  haveing  some  Inlisted  on  one  Encourage- 
ment and  others  on  another,  this  might  Occasion  some  Mortification  to 
a Man  who  had  assumed  some  Extraordinary  airs  from  the  Exercise  of 
his  new  Commission  and  pleased  himself  with  Expectations  of  Absolute 
Submission  to  the  decrees  of  a Body  he  belonged  to,  and  is  the  only 
Source  I can  conceive  of,  from  whence  should  arise  a Pet  in  the  writer  of 
the  Letter  which  produced  one  in  the  receiver.  I had  once  the  honour  of 
being  president  of  the  Board  of  War.  I remained  such  with  my  head  full 
of  a Thousand  projects  and  my  hands  full  of  Business,  till  the  House  took 
it  into  their  heads  that  my  Attendance  there  as  Speaker  was  necessary 
for  carrying  on  the  public  Business,  they  passed  accordingly  a Vote  of 
dismission  from  the  Board  in  Terms  no  way  dishonorary  to  me.  this  was 
Concurred.  I was  sent  for  and  have  there  remained  ever  since,  without 
any  Ideas  of  my  own  Importance  quite  satisfied  to  be  there,  or  any  where 
that  shall  be  assigned  me.  I am,  however,  plyed  hard  enough  with  pub- 
lick  Business,  had  not  Providence  sent  us  a succession  of  Storms  I should 
not  have  found  leisure  to  write  you  this  long  Scroll  even  at  Home.  I 
promised  myself  here  an  Opportunity  of  Attending  to  a few  small  matters 
of  my  own  and  the  Benefits  of  some  relaxation,  but  the  Board  of  War 
have  Earnestly  desired  me  to  purchase  some  Vessels  and  Cargoes,  and 
Charter  others  for  them  during  this  recess,  this  I am  doing  and  have  now 
six  Vessels  on  hand  with  which  I find  full  Employment,  some  of  them 
are  ordered  to  the  Gentleman  you  recommend;  several  are  already  gone 
to  that  House,  and  I am  glad  to  find  their  orders  Coincideing  with  your 
wishes.  No  Matters  of  Intelligence  can  I give  you  from  here.  I have  Col- 
lected and  Conveyed  in  a Letter  to  my  Friend  Mr.  Adams,  wrote  two 
days  ago,  all  I could  think  of.  I dare  say  he  will  Communicate  it  to  you 
without  Pet  or  pevishness.  I think  you  have  done  well  in  regarding  the 
Memory  and  takeing  Care  of  the  Families  of  those  who  have  Nobly  sac- 
rificed their  Lives  for  the  publick  good,  money  is  much  better  spent  this 
way  than  in  another  Instance  hinted  to  you  in  my  last,  which,  by  the 
way,  I never  should  have  mentioned  if  it  had  not  been  worse  than  heaving 
it  away  and  in  a manner  that  is  a dead  weight  on  our  public  Operations, 
if  he  (you  know  who)  was  a real  Statue,  we  should  know  what  to  Expect 
and  act  accordingly.  Adeu  my  Friend.  [Ao  signature .] 

My  Compliments  to  Mr.  Gerry,  shall  write  him  soon. 


448 


Appendix 


[1777 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  April  2d,  1777 

My  dear  Sir,  — I have  often  within  a week  past  Attempted  to  write 
to  you  without  being  able  to  perform  it.  something  or  other  has  always 
taken  place  to  Call  me  off  and  I Expect  will  now  before  I have  wrote  five 
lines  more,  however,  it  is  not  much  to  be  regretted  on  your  part,  since  I 
have  little  more  to  say  to  you  than  a bare  Expression  of  my  Friendship, 
which  you  was  well  assured  of  before,  no  kind  of  Intelligence  has  lately 
been  received  here  but  of  a Capture  made  by  an  Indian  party  of  a small 
Number  of  our  men  at  Ticonderoga  and  a request  to  push  forward  our 
Men  for  the  support  of  that  Important  Post,  which  we  are  Endeavouring 
to  do.  the  Tickets  for  your  Lottery  have  had  an  amazeing  rapid  sale  here. 
Your  Loan  Office,  I am  told,  is  successful,  but  I dont  know  the  perticu- 
lars,  being  as  great  a stranger,  and  perhaps  for  the  same  reasons,  to  the 
L[oan]  Officers  as  you  used  to  be  to  the  friends  of  Government  who  sat  in 
the  House  with  you.  we  have  now  and  then  a prize  come  in,  but  it  is  a 
rarity.  I wish  again  to  let  loose  the  privateers,  we  are  takeing  measures 
to  Compleat  the  fortifications  of  this  harbour  and  I believe  if  the  plan  be 
not  too  Extensive  it  will  be  tolerably  Executed,  about  two-thirds  of  our 
fifteen  Battalions  are  raised,  we  have  in  the  House  been  Employed 
among  many  other  things  in  passing  Acts  for  takeing  Care  of  the  Estates 
of  Absentees,  etc.,  for  preventing  desertion,  for  Establishing  an  Oath  of 
Abjuration  and  Allegiance  to  be  taken  by  all  that  have  been  King’s 
Officers  (excepting  Mandamus  Councellors  and  a few  others),  and  those 
suspected  of  being  Inimical,  who  on  refusal  are  to  be  sent  to  England  or 
the  West  Indies,  it  is  also  to  be  taken  by  all  Officers,  Civil  and  Military, 
etc.  we  are  also  about  many  other  Acts  of  a more  private  nature  and  Re- 
solves in  Abundance.  I am  again  Interrupted  and  so  must  Conclude  after 
desireingyour  Attention  to  the  Affairs  of  my  Friend,  Mr.  Temple,  he  has 
suffered  Extremely  and  in  a way  a little  out  of  the  Common  Course,  not 
by  the  ravages  of  the  Enemy,  but  by  the  wanton  destruction  of  some  of 
our  own  Army,  which  has  laid  waste  his  whole  Farm  and  destroyed  at 
once  the  well  Contrived  and  Judicious  work  of  many  Years  and  left  his 
Buildings  in  a Situation  very  little  better,  whether  there  be  a propriety 
in  takeing  up  this  matter  at  this  time  I cant  say.  if  there  be  I could  wish 
it,  as  his  Circumstances  require  it  and  his  Industry  in  the  Noble  profes- 
sion of  Husbandry  with  many  other  good  qualities  have  great  Merit.  I 
am  with  Compliments  to  all  Friends  and  the  best  wishes  for  your  Happi- 
ness your  sincere  Friend. 

[Ao  signature .] 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1 177  \ 


Appendix 


449 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  June  i6th,  1777 

My  dear  Sir,  — It  is  now  a long  time  since  I have  had  a Line  from 
you,  so  long  that  I cant  recollect  the  Time  when  I received  the  last,  if  I 
was  given  to  Jealousy  I might  perhaps  suppose  you  Inclined  to  drop  the 
Correspondence.  I have  wrote  three  or  four  to  you  since  I received  one 
from  you.  I saw  Mrs.  Adams  a few  days  ago  and  Complained  to  her.  she 
Excuses  you  and  finds  many  reasons  — Multiplicity  of  Business,  etc.  I 
believe  it  true  and  wonder  you  can  write  so  much  as  you  do.  I want,  how- 
ever, to  hear  how  your  Confederation  goes  on  and  what  the  state  of  your 
foreign  Intelligence,  as  to  us  the  Regulateing  Act  (which  by  the  way 
your  dear  Town  had  no  small  hand  in  at  first)  has  bro’t  us  into  a sad 
Hobble,  we  seem  not  to  know  how  to  go  forward  or  backward,  at  the 
same  time  a favourer  of  it  acknowledges  the  difficulty,  if  not  Impossi- 
bility, of  Executeing  it.  he  cant  think  of  repealing  it.  the  principle  Ob- 
jection made  is  the  Influence  it  will  have  on  our  Army,  but,  I believe,  as 
true  a reason  is  an  Increasing  Animosity  between  Town  and  Country, 
they  are  both  to  blame,  which  most  I shant  determine,  the  Conduct  of 
the  Town  has  certainly  been  very  versatile  and  Impolitic,  they  could  not 
have  Injured  their  own  Interest  more  than  they  did  by  their  last  Instruc- 
tions.2 we  all  see  the  want  of  their  old  pilots,  but  I wont  forsake  them,  or 
give  you  any  further  pain  on  that  subject.  I am  inclined  to  think  we  shall 
in  a little  time  get  right  again,  the  Repealing  the  Act,  the  Source  of  111 
will  and  every  evil  work,  Encourageing  a free  Trade  and  the  Arrival  of  a 
Number  of  prizes  will  regulate  better  than  any  Act  we  can  make,  last 
Saturday  we  had  four  Brigantines  comeing  up  at  once,  two  of  them  from 
Bilboa  and  two  of  them  prizes,  all  with  valuable  Cargoes,  and  yesterday 
we  had  an  Account  of  the  Arrival  of  a prize  at  the  Eastward  with  salt, 
Linnens  and  twenty  Tons  of  Cordage,  and  also  of  the  Arrival  of  a Brig- 
antine (sent  out  by  the  Board  of  War)  from  France  with  108  Chests 
Arms,  100  bbl.  powder,  a quantity  of  Lead,  flints,  steel,  files,  etc.,  etc.  this 
is  an  Important  Arrival  for  us.  I am  obliged  to  write  in  a great  hurry 
this  morning,  or  should  perhaps  have  been  a little  more  Correct,  and 
much  longer,  as  I have  much  to  say  and  many  Enquiries  to  make.  I 
wish  you  every  Happiness  and  am,  as  usual,  your  sincere  Friend. 

[iVo  signature,] 

1 From  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  5n  the  New  York  Public  Library. 

2 Of  May  26.  Boston  Rec.  Com.,  xvm.  284. 


45° 


Appendix 


[1777 


James  Warren  to  Samuel  Adams  1 

Boston,  Augt.  7th,  1777 

My  dear  Sir,  — I had  the  pleasure  of  yours  of  the  22d  July  last  Night 
by  the  Post.  I have  before  received  several  of  your  favours  which  I have 
not  yet  acknowledged,  perticularly  by  Coll.  Whipple,  but  had  the  mis- 
fortune not  to  see  him  being  absent  from  this  Town  when  he  went  through 
it.  so  have  lost  the  Advantages  I might  have  derived  from  a Conversation 
with  him.  the  Letters  you  mention  per.  Capt.  Collins  I have  not  re- 
ceived. you  will  please  to  let  me  know  who  he  is  and  when  he  came  this 
way.  the  return  you  furnished  me  with  of  the  Northward  Army  is 
nearly  Conformable  in  Numbers  to  the  Ideas  I had  of  them.  I have  been 
from  the  beginning  persuaded  that  there  were  at  that  post  not  less  than 
5000  Men,  and  it  is  to  me  a Mystery  why  there  were  not  more  there.  I 
think  I can  reckon  up  3500  men  in  the  seven  Battalions  from  this  State 
who  must  have  been  there,  or  there  must  have  been  great  Negligence  in 
the  officers,  and  it  is  said  that  the  Hampshire  Battalions  Contained  more 
than  2000  — A Number  sufficient  I should  suppose  to  have  defended  a 
place  an  Army  has  been  so  long  fortifying  and  reputed  so  strong  against 
20,000  Men.  Nothing  can  Justify  the  Evacuation  but  a deficiency  and 
weakness  in  all  respects  equal  to  the  Representation  Genl.  St.  Clair 
makes.  This  Movement  has  raised  a general  Clamour  in  the  Country 
and  has  every  where  Excited  Indignation  and  distrust,  and  in  many  fear- 
ful Apprehensions  that  do  our  Cause  no  good,  we  Continue  to  have 
Alarming  Accounts  of  the  progress  of  the  Enemy  in  that  quarter  and 
have  pressing  requisitions  from  Genl.  Schuyler  for  reinforcements  of  the 
Militia,  one-sixth  of  the  County  of  Worcester  and  numbers  from  Berk- 
shire, etc.,  are  gone,  we  have  voted  2000  more  and  made  an  Establish- 
ment for  them  to  remain  to  the  last  of  November,  but  the  Militia  has 
been  so  harrassed  by  frequent  drafts  and  there  is  such  a want  of  Confi- 
dence in  your  Commanders  that  way,  that  I fear  we  shall  get  them  with 
difficulty,  we  have  been  in  Expectation  of  a Visit  this  way  and  this  Town 
was  one  day  in  great  Confusion;  but  they  have  not  yet  Arrived,  we  are 
last  Night  Informed  that  they  are  landed  below  you.  they  seem  to  have 
a great  Affection  for  visiting  the  Congress.  I hope  they  will  be  properly 
received  there.  I am  obliged  to  write  in  Extreem  haste  this  morning, 
being  now  Called  to  go  down  the  harbour  as  one  of  a Committee  to  view 
the  fortifications,  the  Company  and  Boat  wait  while  I scribble  this  to 
you.  I must  therefore  omit  many  things  I have  to  say  about  the  Form  of 


1 F rom  the  Samuel  Adams  Papers  in  the  New  York  Public  Library. 


1777] 


Appendix 


45  1 


our  Government  here,  or  your  Confederation  at  Congress,  etc.,  and  Con- 
clude with  Assurances  of  regard  and  Friendship  and  am  yours,  etc. 

J.  w. 

My  regards  to  our  Friends.  Manly,  you  will  hear,  is  taken,  you  have 
lost  a fine  frigate. 


Hannah  Winthrop  to  Mercy  Warren 

It  is  not  a great  while  since  I wrote  my  dear  Friend  on  my  disappoint- 
ment in  not  paying  her  a Visit.  Now  methinks  I hear  her  wondring  how 
it  is  with  her  Cambridge  Friends,  who  are  at  this  time  delugd  with 
British  and  Hessian,  what  shall  I call  them?  who  are  Prancing  and  Pa- 
trolling every  Corner  of  the  Town,  ornamented  with  their  glittering  side 
arms,  Weapons  of  distruction.  A short  detail  of  our  Situation  may  per- 
haps amuse  you.  You  will  be  able  to  form  a judgment  of  our  unhappy 
Circumstances. 

Last  thursday,  which  was  a very  stormy  day,  a large  number  of 
British  Troops  came  softly  thro  the  Town  via  Watertown  to  Prospect 
hill,  on  Friday  we  heard  the  Hessians  were  to  make  a Procession  in  the 
same  rout,  we  thot  we  should  have  nothing  to  do  with  them,  but  View 
them  as  they  Passt.  To  be  sure  the  sight  was  truly  astonishing.  I never 
had  the  least  Idea  that  the  Creation  producd  such  a sordid  set  of  crea- 
tures in  human  Figure  — poor,  dirty,  emaciated  men,  great  numbers  of 
women,  who  seemd  to  be  the  beasts  of  burthen,  having  a bushel  basket 
on  their  back,  by  which  they  were  bent  double,  the  contents  seemd  to  be 
Pots  and  Kettles,  various  sorts  of  Furniture,  children  peeping  thro’ 
gridirons  and  other  utensils,  some  very  young  Infants  who  were  born  on 
the  road,  the  women  bare  feet,  cloathd  in  dirty  raggs,  such  effluvia  filld 
the  air  while  they  were  passing,  had  they  not  been  smoaking  all  the  time, 
I should  have  been  apprehensive  of  being  contaminated  by  them.  After 

a noble  looking  advancd  Guard  Gen.  J y B[urgoy]n  headed  this 

terrible  group  on  horseback.  The  other  G[enera]l  also,  cloathd  in  Blue 
Cloaks.  Hessians,  Anspachers,  Brunswickers,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  followed  on. 
The  Hessian  G[enera]l  gave  us  a Polite  Bow  as  they  Passd.  Not  so  the 
British,  their  Baggage  Waggons  drawn  by  poor  half  starvd  horses.  But  to 
bring  up  the  rear,  another  fine  Noble  looking  Guard  of  American  Brawny 
Victorious  Yeomanry,  who  assisted  in  bringing  these  sons  of  slavery  to 
terms,  some  of  our  Waggons  drawn  by  fat  oxen,  driven  by  joyous  looking 
Yankees  closd  the  cavalcade.  The  Generals  and  other  Officers  went  to 
Bradishs,  where  they  Quarter  at  present.  The  Privates  trudgd  thro 


45  2 


Appendix 


[1777 


thick  and  thin  to  the  hills,  where  we  thot  they  were  to  be  confind,  but 
what  was  our  Surprise  when  in  the  morning  we  beheld  an  inundation  of 
those  disagreable  objects  filling  our  streets!  How  mortifying  is  it?  they 
in  a manner  demanding  our  Houses  and  Colleges  for  their  genteel  accom- 
modation. Did  the  brave  G Gates  ever  mean  this?  Did  our  Legisla- 

ture ever  intend  the  military  should  prevail  above  the  Civil?  is  there  not 
a degree  of  unkindness  in  loading  poor  Cambridge,  almost  ruined  before 
this  great  army  seemjd]  to  be  let  loose  upon  us,  and  what  will  be  the  Con- 
sequence time  will  discover. 

Some  Polite  ones  say,  we  ought  not  to  look  on  them  as  Prisoners,  they 
are  persons  of  distinguished  rank,  perhaps  too  we  must  not  view  them  in 
the  light  of  enemys.  I fear  this  distinction  will  be  soon  lost.  Surpriseing 
that  our  G[enera]l  or  any  of  our  C[olone]ls  should  insist  on  the  first 
University  in  America  being  disbanded  for  their  more  genteel  accomo- 
dation, and  we  poor  oppressed  people  seek  an  Asylum  in  the  woods  against 
a piercing  Winter. 

where  is  the  stern  Virtue  of  an  A[dam]s  who  opposd  such  an  infraction 
in  former  days?  Who  is  there  to  plead  our  Cause?  Pity,  Pity,  it  is  our 
Assembly  had  not  settled  these  matters  before  their  adjournment.  It  will 
be  vastly  more  difficult  to  abridg  them  after  such  an  unbounded  Licence, 
perhaps  you  may  see  some  of  them  at  Plimouth.  for  my  part  I think, 
insult  Famine  and  a Train  of  evils  present  to  View.  G[enera]l  Bjurgoyjn 
dind  a Saterday  in  Boston  with  Gfenerajl  H[eat]h.  He  rode  thro  the 
Town  properly  attended  down  Court  Street  and  thro  the  Main  Street, 
and  on  his  return  walkt  on  foot  to  Charlestown  Ferry  Followd  by  a great 
Number  of  Spectators  as  ever  attended  a pope  and  generously  observd 
to  an  officer  with  him  the  Decent  and  modest  behavior  of  the  inhabitants 
as  he  passd,  saying  if  he  had  been  conducting  Prisoners  through  the  City 
of  London,  not  all  the  Guards  of  Majesty  could  have  prevented  Insults. 
He  likewise  acknowledges  Lincoln  and  Arnold  to  be  great  Generals.  It  is 
said  we  shall  have  not  less  than  seven  thousand  persons  to  feed  in  Cam- 
bridge and  its  environs,  more  than  its  inhabitants.  Two  hundred  and 
fifty  cord  of  wood  will  not  serve  them  a week,  think  then  how  we  must  be 
distrest.  wood  is  risen  to  £5.10  pr.Cord  and  but  little  to  be  purchasd.  I 
never  thought  I could  lie  down  to  sleep  surrounded  by  these  enemies,  but 
we  strangely  become  enured  to  those  things  which  appear  difficult  when 
distant. 

While  I am  writing  a Neighbor  comes  in  with  an  enlivened  Counte- 
nance to  tell  us  G[enera]l  How  has  Surrenderd  to  G[enera]l  Washington, 
but  can  we  suffer  ourselves  to  believe  Providence  will  so  marvelously 
appear  for  us?  Ah  the  Events  of  Battles  are  so  Precarious  we  dare  not 
indulge  the  thought  till  it  is  confirmd  by  the  best  authority,  my  Partner 


1777] 


453 


Appendix 


joyns  me  in  the  sincerest  regards  to  General  Warren  and  Lady,  and  as 
you  must  be  tird  by  this  time  of  my  chit  chat,  allow  me  to  subscribe  Ever 
yours 

[iVo  signature.] 

Cambridge,  Novr.  nth,  1 777. 


P.S.  G[enera]l  B[urgoy]n  has  repeated  said  he  was  convincd  it  was  im- 
possible Great  Britain  should  ever  subdue  America,  he  therefore  wishd  a 
Union  might  take  place  that  would  never  be  broken  and  that  he  might  get 
home  soon  to  prevent  any  more  attempts  that  way. 

If  you  like  anecdotes  I will  give  you  one  more.  When  G[enera]l  Phillips 
was  travelling  thro  the  back  of  Albany,  where  it  is  very  rocky  and  barren, 
he  expressd  his  Astonishment  that  they  should  ever  cross  the  Atlantic 
and  go  thro  such  difficulty  to  conquer  so  unfavorable  a Country  which 
would  not  be  worth  a keeping  when  conquered,  when  they  came  upon  the 
fertile  banks  of  Connecticut  river  G[enera]l  Whipple  said  to  him,  This  is 
the  Country  which  we  are  fighting  for.  Ah,  replyd  the  G[enera]l.  This  is 
a country  worth  a Ten  Years  war. 

We  hear  no  Parole  signd  yet. 


Index 


Abarca  de  Bolea,  Pedro  Pablo,  conde  de 
Aranda,  II.  176. 

Accounts,  committee  of,  1.  89. 

Actionnaire,  11.  125. 

Adams,  Abigail,  death  of  mother,  1.  159; 
inoculated,  261,  267,  268;  farmer,  320; 
on  Lord  Chesterfield,  11.  128;  in  Europe, 
238,  240,  242,  274,  287;  on  presidency,  332; 
French  mission,  336;  war  with  France, 
337,  339;  abuse  of  confidence,  342;  health, 
344,  345,  352;  on  S.  A.  Otis,  392. 

Adams,  Abigail,  11.  79,  81,  84,  95,  165; 
married,  277. 

Adams,  Ann  (Harod),  11.  386. 

Adams,  Charles,  1.  268;  11.  263,  386. 

Adams,  Elizabeth  (Wells),  1.  11. 

Adams,  John,  n.  445;  on  Waterhouse,  1.  2 n.\ 
in  Continental  Congress,  27  «.;  feels  his 
insufficiency,  29;  opening  letters,  39;  in 
Provincial  Congress,  40  ».;  health,  66, 
265;  11.  206;  return  to  Congress,  1.  105, 
106;  committee  on  hostilities,  143,  144;  on 
Supreme  Court,  150,  178;  militia  officers, 
192;  republic,  201;  form  of  government, 
221;  ‘Thoughts  on  Government,’  230, 
240;  Braxton’s  reply,  242;  on  woman’s 
rights,  236;  preamble,  242,  245;  resigns, 
265;  11.  205;  leaves  Congress,  1.  280;  on 
horse  hire,  290;  naval  committee,  31 1; 
cost  of  living,  333,  34 1 ; leaves  for  Europe, 
11.  1;  voyage,  27;  on  affairs  in  France,  67; 
merit,  71;  description  of  manners,  81;  on 
currency,  90;  honesty,  95;  obnoxious,  101, 
106;  disposition  of,  108,  112;  return,  115, 
1 1 8;  want  of  success  in  France,  118; 
charges,  128;  second  voyage  to  France, 
129;  on  Europe,  156;  intrigues  against, 
167;  peace  commission,  169,  185;  Dutch 
negotiation,  177,  179,  182,  188;  self- 
examination,  188;  report  on  foreign 
relations,  192;  on  Franklin,  209;  wanted 
as  governor,  219,  221,  253;  wishes  to 
retire,  223;  minister  to  England,  255,  259, 
275;  on  social  unrest,  277,  280;  Defence 
of  the  Constitutions,  281,  284,  291,  294; 


returns,  304,  305;  vice  president,  305;  on 
Warren,  313;  patronage,  313;  Mrs. 
Warren’s  poems,  324;  an  unsealed  letter, 
325;  on  Jefferson,  331;  intercepted  letter, 
342;  on  Napoleon,  353;  reconciliation  with 
Warren,  374;  Dialogue  of  the  Dead,  387  n ., 
389;  thoughts  on  July,  4,  393;  failing 
health,  394;  Mrs.  Warren’s  poem,  402;  tea 
letter,  403. 

Adams,  John  Quincy,  11.  217,  240,  259,  263, 

357  «•>  3»3>  390. 

Adams,  Robert,  1.  193  n. 

Adams,  Samuel,  1.  45,  101,  120,  272,  293;  11. 
150,  293;  on  Hutchinson,  1.  8;  moderation, 
9;  boy  for,  10;  in  Continental  Congress, 
27  n.;  illness,  60,  265;  secretary  of  province, 
94,  173;  11.  417;  rides  a horse,  1,  no;  11. 
419;  on  government,  1.  195;  independence, 
224;  account  of  expenses,  290,  324;  horse 
hire,  280;  loyalists,  292;  opposed  to  Wash- 
ington, 11.  12,  92;  on  marine  committee, 
15;  health,  96;  councillor,  106;  rumors, 
128,  138;  for  secretary,  145;  malice,  148; 
on  Bowdoin  and  Hancock,  161;  warning 
on  safety,  405;  not  a justice,  423. 

Adams,  Samuel,  j r.,  1. 80, 90, 94, 98, 1 90;  11.41 8 . 

Adams,  Sarah  (Smith),  11.  386  n. 

Adams,  Susanna  Boylston,  11.  386  n. 

Adams,  Thomas  Boylston,  1. 226;  11. 263, 386. 

‘Adulateur,’  the,  1.  18  n. 

Aitken,  Robert,  1.  256  n. 

Albany,  N.Y.,  militia  for,  1.  323. 

Aldrich,  - — , 1.  343. 

Alexander,  Alexander  John,  11.  127  n. 

Alexander,  Mariamne,  11.  127  n. 

Alexander,  Robert,  11.  127  n. 

Alexander,  William,  11.  127  n. 

Alfred,  1.  304,  335,  365;  11.  442. 

Algiers,  corsairs,  11.  271,  276. 

Allan,  John,  1.  286. 

Allen,  Ethan,  1.  131. 

Allen,  Jolley,  1.  220. 

Alliance , 11.  16,  22,  30,  82,  125, 127, 135, 141, 
14 3>  I58»  i67- 

Alliances,  with  foreign  powers,  1.  127. 


+56 


Index 


Allison,  Francis,  I.  80. 

Ambassadors,  to  foreign  courts,  I.  127. 

Amboy,  N.J.,  1.  337. 

America,  an  asylum,  11.  199. 

America , 11.  11  n.,  217. 

Amherst,  Jeffrey,  1.  133,  141;  11.  422. 

Amphitrite , 1.  339. 

Amsterdam,  prices  of  stocks,  1.  308. 

Amuzettes,  1.  54. 

Anderson,  James,  11.  48,  428. 

Andover,  11.  41 1. 

Andre,  John,  11.  139. 

Anthony, , 1.  203. 

Antigua,  powder  in,  1.  135;  prize  from,  193. 

Appleton,  Nathaniel,  1.  285. 

Apportionment  under  the  Confederation,  11. 
200. 

Appreciation,  papers  on,  11.  124. 

Apprentice,  boy,  1.  10. 

Aranda,  see  Abarca  de  Bolea. 

Arbre  de  Cracovie,  11.  13 1. 

Arms,  imported,  1.  339,  351. 

Army,  before  Boston,  wants  direction,  1.  47; 
cleanliness  and  health,  53;  operations,  67; 
size,  77;  continental,  11.  12,  19. 

Army,  continental,  1.  58,  61;  n.  416,  418; 
officers,  1.  73,  78,  79,  85;  vote  for,  80;  size, 
81;  appointments,  97 ; committee  on,  119, 
125,  149,  152,  169,  174;  numbering  the 
regiments,  269;  new  plan,  1.  275;  11.  426; 
clothing,  1.  278;  11. 143;  situation,  140,432; 
enlistments,  431,  439;  paymaster,  437; 
northern,  450. 

Army,  British,  honor  in,  1.  141;  situation,  11. 
416,  420,  422;  standing,  dangers,  1.  198. 

Arnold,  Benedict,  1.  368;  expedition  against 
Quebec,  109,  123,  140,  148,  152,  181;  11. 
419,  421,  428;  brigadier  general,  1.  204;  at 
Fort  Stanwix,  366;  at  Saratoga,  373; 
treachery,  11.  139,  157;  in  the  south,  166. 

Arnold, , captain , 1.  316. 

Artesien,  11.  125. 

Artillery,  commissary  of,  1.  86,  90. 

Association,  continental,  1.  166. 

Athalie,  Racine’s,  11.  244. 

Attainder,  bill  of,  suggested,  1.  75. 

Augusta,  1.  375. 

Austin,  Benjamin,  1.  319  n. 

Austin,  James  Trecothick,  11.  36. 

Austin,  Jonathan  Williams,  1.  248. 

Austria  and  America,  11,  208. 


Auteuil,  11.  245. 

Avery,  John,  11.  120,  145,  149,  150. 

Avery,  Samuel,  11.  11. 

Ayres,  John,  captain , 1.  318;  11.  38. 

Bacon,  Edward,  11.  52. 

Badger,  Stephen,  11.  377. 

Bailey,  Francis,  1.  375. 

Baker, , 1.  177. 

Balch,  Nathaniel,  11.  404. 

Baldwin,  Jeduthon,  1.  343. 

Baldwin,  Loammi,  11.  62,  77;  Dickinson’s 
writings,  364,  368. 

Bancroft,  Edward,  1.  380. 

Bant,  William,  1.  87. 

Barbadoes,  1.  147. 

Barbe-Marbois,  Francois,  11.  193,  197. 
Barber,  Francis,  11.  439. 

Barclay,  Robert,  dedication,  11.  149. 
Barclay,  Mrs.  Thomas,  11.  245. 

Barlow,  Joel,  11.  301. 

Barnard,  John,  1.  2. 

Barnes, , 11.  29,  36. 

Barney,  Joshua,  11.  184,  207. 

Barnstable,  Mass.,  privateers,  1. 193;  militia, 
273  n. 

Barrell,  William,  1.  95. 

Barrett,  Samuel,  claims  the  Group,  11.  395. 
Barruel,  Augustin  de,  11.  341. 

Barry,  John,  11.  16,  24,  31,  141. 

Bates, , 1.  hi. 

Bayard,  John,  1.  124  n. 

Beaumarchais,  Caron  de,  1.  301  n. 

Bentinck,  William  Henry  Cavendish,  Duke 
of  Portland,  11.  199. 

Berkenhout,  John,  Lee  and,  11.  70. 

Bernard,  Francis,  1.  100;  on  Hutchinson’s 
salary,  7 title,  11.  350,  355. 

Bethune,  George,  11.  136. 

Bethune,  Mary  (Faneuil),  11.  136  n. 

Bigelow,  Timothy,  1.  354,  357. 

Bills  of  credit,  continental,  1.  56  ».,  58,  61, 
80,  92,  1 51;  standing  of,  268,  322,  377;  11. 
i.35>  I4I* 

Bingham,  Anne  (Willing),  11.  245. 

Bingham,  Anne  Louise,  11.  245  n. 

Bingham,  Maria  Matilda,  11.  245  n. 
Bingham,  William,  11.  184. 

Blair, , captain,  1.  360. 

Blake, , 11.  241. 

Bland,  Richard,  1.  112. 


Index 


4 57 


Blodget,  Nathan,  n.  158,  166,  170. 

Boats,  flat,  for  lakes,  1.  133. 

Boileau,  Jacques,  1.  37. 

Bollan,  William,  11.  188. 

Bonaparte,  J.  Adams  on,  11.  353;  doubt  on, 
382. 

Borre,  Prudhomme  de,  1.  303. 

Boston,  ‘massacre,’  Lovell’s  oration,  1.  10; 
pleasures  of,  17;  tea,  18,  19;  11.  403; 
fortifications,  1.  32;  of  harbor,  216,  226, 
237;  refugees,  48;  British  army  in,  68; 
situation  in,  71,  100,  113,  150;  11.  426; 
operations  near,  1.  83,  96;  11.  422,  431, 
437;  inhabitants  and  Gage,  1.  98,  100,  101, 
102,  194;  channels  in  harbor,  129;  plan  of, 
130;  S.  Adams  desires  an  attack  on,  141; 
play  interrupted,  1 51 ; move  upon,  210; 
defense  of,  217,  225,  238,  239,  244,  271;  11. 
443;  condition  after  evacuation,  1.  262; 
tories,  292,  369;  navy  board,  312,  324; 
General  Court  and,  332,  341;  11.  440; 
representatives,  10;  meeting,  406. 

Boston,  1.  304,  312  366,  372;  11.  10,  14,  18, 

29,  53,  88,  103. 

Boston  Patriot,  11.  368. 

Boundaries,  settlement  of  disputes,  under 
confederation,  1.  376. 

Bounties,  army,  1.  152;  for  inlistments,  21 1, 
258,  276,  277,  295,  299,  304,  325;  11.  446; 
money  for,  1.  285. 

Bourke,  William,  11.  15,  26,  29,  30. 

Bowdoin,  Elizabeth,  1.  216  n. 

Bowdoin,  James,  1.  152,  241,  264;  11.  5;  on 
Paine’s  Common  Sense,  1.  208;  governor, 
243,  233,  340;  committee  of  war,  275 
».;  for  governor,  11.  135,  141,  144, 

1 61;  governor,  250,  262,  293;  refuses  aid, 
267. 

Bowen,  Eliza,  11.  330. 

Bowen,  Ephraim,  11.  329  n. 

Bowen,  Fanny,  11.  330. 

Bowen,  Jabez,  letters,  11.  234, 329;  on  impost, 
234- 

Bowen,  Mary,  11.  330. 

Bowen,  Mary  (Fenner),  11.  329  n. 

Bowen,  Nancy,  11.  330. 

Bowen,  Obadiah,  11.  329  n. 

Bowers,  Jerathmeel,  1.  226. 

Boylston,  Thomas,  1.  99,  100,  199. 

Bradford,  John,  1.  370;  11.  26. 

Brailsford,  Norton,  11.  15,  24,  94. 


Brattle,  William,  1.  13;  11.  381;  recantation, 
1.  32  n. 

Braxton,  Carter,  1.  218  n.\  address  to 
Virginia  convention,  242,  252,  257. 

Breck,  Samuel,  11.  286. 

Breteuil,  Louis  Auguste  le  Tonnelier,  baron 
de,  11.  196. 

Brewer,  David,  1.  195. 

Bromfield,  Henry,  11.  446;  committee  of  war, 

I.  276  n. 

Bromfield, , 1.  196. 

Brown,  Gawen,  1.  162. 

Brown,  John,  11.  10. 

Brown,  John,  1.  52,  98,  169. 

Brown,  Woodbridge,  1.  226. 

Brown, , captain , 11.  60. 

Brown’s  House,  affair  at,  1.  83. 

Browne,  John,  of  Providence,  11.  1 13. 
Brownson,  Nathan,  1.  321. 

Bruce, , 1.  346. 

Brunswick,  N.J.,  1.  289,  336. 

Bryan,  George,  1.  298. 

Buchanan,  Archibald,  1.  39. 

Buchanan,  Claudius,  11.  376. 

Buffoonery,  Morgan  lecture  on,  1.  17. 
Bunker,  David,  11.  443. 

Bunker  Hill,  battle  of,  1.  59,  62,  66,  69,  78; 

II.  412;  British  account,  1.  79;  official 
relation,  144  n. 

Burbank,  Silas,  1.  91,  101. 

Burbeck,  Edward,  1.  187,  194. 

Burgoyne,  John,  1.  53,  56,  62,  69  «.,  360, 362; 
return  to  England,  68;  march  from 
Canada,  263;  at  Fort  Edward,  353,  354; 
Saratoga,  356;  dangerous  situation,  357, 
364,  368,  371,  372;  surrender,  374;  at 
Boston,  374,  377;  11.  28,  32,  451;  hand  bill, 
1.  375;  trial  of  Henley,  11.  4. 

Burke,  .Edanus,  11.  237. 

Burke,  Edmund,  1.  34;  11.  327. 

Burke,  Thomas,  1.  293  ».;  11.  444. 
Burlington,  N.J.,  British  at,  1.  279. 

Burnet,  Gilbert,  1.  21. 

Burr,  Aaron,  11.  353. 

Burr,  Thaddeus,  1.  no  n. 

Butler,  Francis,  1.  122  n. 

Cabot,  Andrew,  1.  HI. 

Cabot,  1.  304. 

Cadwalader,  John,  1.  250. 

Calipash,  calipee,  1.  122. 


458 


Index 


Callahan, , I.  108. 

Callihorne  [Callahan?], , i.  108. 

Calumny,  effect  of,  n.  338. 

Calvert,  Benedict,  1.  229. 

Cambridge,  General  Court  at,  1.  10;  gather- 
ing of  forces,  32;  army  at,  48;  small 
pox,  194;  convention  on  constitution,  11. 
1 12. 

Campbell,  Archibald,  1.  292. 

Campbell,  Donald,  1.  92. 

Campbell,  Elizabeth  (Murray),  1.  70  n. 

Campbell, , col .,  1.  270. 

Canada,  n.  36;  Continental  Congress  and,  1. 
52;  attitude  of,  84;  situation  in,  123; 
expedition  against,  109, 123, 134, 187,  255; 
n.  92;  proposed  government,  1.  131,  155; 
committee,  206;  importance  of,  208,  258; 
evil  news,  247;  specie,  249. 

Cane,  Maurice,  1.  121. 

Cannon,  of  bar  iron,  1.  306. 

Captains,  Navy  Board  and,  11.  26. 

Carey,  Mathew,  11.  350. 

Cargill,  James,  captures  by,  1.  100,  140,  163, 
185. 

Carleton,  Guy,  Lord  Dorchester,  1.  53,  123, 
133,  149, 362;  11.  421;  retreat,  I.  277;  peace 
propositions,  11.  175. 

Carmichael,  William,  1.  321,  380;  11.  125; 
appointment,  10;  Lee’s  letter,  68. 

Carroll,  Charles,  of  Carrollton,  1.  294  n.\  11. 
83;  committee  to  Canada,  1,  206. 

Carroll,  John,  to  go  to  Canada,  I.  207. 

Cartel,  prisoners,  11.  438. 

Cary,  Richard,  1.  93. 

Cary,  Richard,  jr.,  1.  93. 

Castle  Island,  1.  216. 

Catherine  of  Russia,  I.  263  n. 

Catholics  in  Great  Britain,  11.  133. 

Caton,  11.  125. 

Cavendish,  John,  lord,  11.  199. 

Cazneau,  Andrew,  captain , 11.  159. 

Cerberus , 1.  133  n. 

Ceremonials,  11.  41. 

Chamblee,  1.  179. 

Charleston,  S.C.,  11. 104;  tea,  1.  20;  loss  of,  11. 
133,  134;  Lincoln  on  siege,  322. 

Charlestown,  Mass.,  1. 15;  incident,  50;  burn- 
ing of,  59,  72;  army  at,  68;  fort,  216;  ruins, 
229. 

Charmante , 11.  125. 

Chase,  Samuel,  I.  39,  93,  293,  294  n.\  on 


prospect  of  redress,  35;  committee  to 
Canada,  206. 

Chatelet,  comte  de,  11.  130. 

Cheever,  Ezekiel,  commissary  of  artillery,  1. 
86  n. 

Cheney,  Andrew  Francis,  tory,  1.  292. 

Chesapeake  Bay,  trade  of,  I.  145. 

Chesemuttock,  Sachem  of,  1.  14;  11.  401. 

Chesterfield,  Lord,  see  Philip  Dormer 
Stanhope. 

Chew,  Samuel,  11.  32. 

Christianity,  propagation  of,  11.  370. 

Church,  Benjamin,  jr.,  1.  56,  60,  63;  director 
of  hospital,  93, 94;  treasonable  correspond- 
ence, 121,  134,  137,  139,  140,  141,  142, 
152;  11.  423,  424;  dismissed  from  office,  1. 
142,  164;  punishment,  148,  153,  172,  174, 
178,  180;  hearing,  168;  fears  for,  254. 

Cincinnati,  Society  of,  11.  237,  291,  298. 

Citoyen , 11.  125. 

Clairac,  Chevalier  de,  1.  256  n. 

Clark,  Abraham,  1.  293. 

Clark,  Annie,  1.  70  n. 

Clark,  Charles  Thomas,  11.  386  n. 

Clark,  Susanna  Boylston  (Adams),  11.  386. 

Clinton,  George,  1.  218. 

Clinton,  Sir  Henry,  1.  53,  69  n.\  11.  144,  151. 

Clothing,  1.  155;  purchasing  agents,  320;  for 
troops,  11.  225. 

Clymer,  George,  1.  123  n.,  293  n.;  death,  11. 
381. 

Cobble  Hill,  1.  114,  183,  188. 

Coit,  William,  11.  11. 

Collins,  Elizabeth,  1.  74  n. 

Collins,  Ezra,  1.  74. 

Collins,  Stephen,  1.  74,  75,  82,  107,  118. 

Collins,  Zaccheus,  1.  74  n. 

Collins, , captain , 1.  316,  338;  11.  450. 

Commissary  of  artillery,  1.  86,  90;  musters, 
86,  90. 

Concord,  currency  convention,  11.  112. 

Concord,  1.  189. 

Confederacy. , 11.  78,  93,  125,  130, 135,  141. 

Confederation,  articles  of,  1.  199,  263,  309, 
322,  337;  11.  430;  votes  of  states  in,  1.  338; 
progress,  374,  375;  signed,  11.  33;  ap- 
portionment of  debts,  200;  representation 
under,  270. 

Confiscation  bill,  11.  48,  51,  87. 

Congress,  Continental,  1774,  I.  26;  annual, 
28;  moves  slowly,  51;  rumor,  56;  business 


Index 


459 


of,  67,  75;  addresses,  75,  7 9;  adjournment, 
90;  committee  to  camp,  119, 125, 149, 169; 
secrecy,  124,  126,  138,  170;  committee  on 
hostilities,  143;  governments,  242;  Eastern 
district,  245;  committee  on  the  Howes, 
274;  pay  of  troops,  276;  bounties,  277 ; 
foreign  relations,  281;  11.  192;  naval 
committee,  1.  31 1;  finance,  360;  adjourns 
to  Yorktown,  371 ; Hancock’s  speech,  378; 
address,  11. 18,38;  returns  to  Philadelphia, 
35;  toast  and  salute,  49;  representation, 
no,  270;  resolutions,  120;  economy,  124; 
requisitions,  152,  190;  at  Annapolis,  233; 
proceedings,  236;  indecision,  442. 

‘Congress’  mortar,  1.  189. 

Connecticut,  1.  75;  general  officers,  86;  land- 
jobbers,  168;  militia,  188;  misconduct  of 
troops,  194;  cowardice,  323;  regulation  act, 
11.  19;  rewarded,  152. 

Conquerant,  11.  125. 

Consuls,  appointment  of,  11.  226,  241,  264, 
266,  267. 

Contempt  of  enemies,  n.  47. 

Convention,  constitutional,  11.  295,  297,  299. 

Convention,  troops  of,  11.  4,  5,  7;  in  Boston, 
451- 

Conway,  Thomas,  1.  333;  Warren  on,  319. 

Conyngham,  Gustavus,  1.  381. 

Cooke,  Nicholas,  1.  151. 

Coolidge,  Nathaniel,  1.  149. 

Cooper,  Myles,  ‘ Friendly  Address,’  1.  47  n. 

Cooper,  Samuel,  1.  58,  73,  194,  268. 

Cooper,  William,  1.  144,  319  ».;  11.  92; 
Adams  on,  149. 

Cornwallis,  Charles,  11.  144,  157. 

Cossacks,  British  said  to  want,  1.  289,  295. 

Cotton,  John,  11.  78,  88. 

Cotton, , 1.  301 ; 11.  406. 

Council,  Massachusetts,  1.  83 ; militia  officers, 
178. 

Courageuse , 11.  125. 

Courier  de  V Europe,  11.  130. 

Couronne,  11.  125. 

Courter,  Harmon,  11.  1 1 . 

Covenant,  11.  405,  406. 

Crafts,  Edward,  1.  187. 

Crafts,  Thomas,  jr.,  1.  186,  194,  195,  240, 
248,  253,  304. 

Craige,  Andrew,  1.  190. 

Cramahe,  Hector  Theophilus,  1.  148. 

Cranch,  Richard,  11.  121,  293. 


Crane,  Stephen,  naval  committee,  1.  31 1 n. 

Cumberland,  Richard,  11.  301. 

Currency,  danger  of,  11.  90,  98;  mending, 
108,  112. 

Cushing, Thomas,  1. 10, 15,63, 190m, 319 
11.  1 1 8,  293,  413;  in  Continental  Congress, 
1.  27  ».;  11.  430;  discouraging  letter,  1.  57; 
in  council,  94;  Supreme  Court,  150,  178; 
militia  appointments,  192;  conduct  of, 
21 1;  for  Congress,  264;  letter  from,  286; 
naval  agent,  305,  324;  councillor,  331; 
Springfield  convention,  350;  lieutenant 
governor,  11.  135. 

Custis,  Eleanor  (Calvert),  1.  220,  229;  11.  6. 

Custis,  John  Parke,  1.  220,  229. 

Custis,  Martha  Parke,  11.  6. 

Cutting,  John  Brown,  11.  290. 

Dalton,  Tristram,  1.  286  ».,  319  «.,  324. 

Dana,  Francis,  1.  217,  264,  266;  11. 13,  41,  52, 
65,  106,  150,  176,  193,  208,  256,  441 ; Lee’s 
letter,  69;  absorption  in  business,  92;  for 
Russia,  158;  at  St.  Petersburg,  221 ; return, 
222;  Congress,  236;  judge,  261. 

Danbury,  descent  upon,  1.  323. 

Dane,  Nathan,  11.  36. 

Danielson,  Timothy,  1.  252  ».,  276  «.;  11. 142, 
231- 

Dartmouth,  Lord,  see  William  Legge. 

Dauphin  Royal , 11.  125. 

Davis’s,  1.  149. 

Deane,  Silas,  committee  on  hostilities,  1. 143, 
144,  162;  naval  committee,  31 1;  charges 
against,  379,  380;  expenditures,  11.  67; 
statement,  68,  83,  86,  89,  94,  96;  Adams 
on,  75;  fall  of,  106,  171. 

Deane,  11.  87,  93,  135,  138,  141. 

Dedham,  Mass.,  1.  106. 

De  la  Balme,  Mottin,  1.  333. 

Delaware  Bay,  blockading,  1.  145;  govern- 
ment, 251. 

Democrat,  the,  11.  368. 

Denmark,  honors  flag,.n.  208;  treaty,  222; 
minister,  331. 

Departments,  staff,  committee,  11.  124. 

Dependence,  11.  238. 

Derby,  John,  returns  from  England,  1.  84. 

Deserters,  law  on,  11.  430. 

Deshon,  John,  navy  board,  1.  312  n.,  324, 
350;  11.  44,  122. 

Destin,  11.  125. 


460 


Index 


De  Witt, , 1 1 5,  158. 

Dexter,  Samuel,  1.  no. 

Diadem,  11.  125. 

Dialogue  of  the  Dead,  by  John  Adams,  11. 
387  389. 

Dickinson,  John,  letters  to  Otis,  1.  3,  4,  5,  6; 
sends  Farmer’s  Letters,  3;  corrections,  4; 
on  Massachusetts,  3;  advises  moderation, 
4;  letter  to  Boston,  5;  a colonel,  51 ; Adams 
on,  88;  change  of  heart,  251;  error  in  con- 
duct, 280;  letters  to  Mrs.  Warren,  11.  347, 
348;  on  Otis,  347;  writings,  364. 

Dickinson,  Philemon,  1.  370  n. 

Dilly,  Charles,  1.  8 n. 

Dilly,  Edward,  1.  8 n. 

Dimsdale,  Thomas,  1.  263. 

Doane,  Elisha,  1.  23;  11.  404. 

Dobree, , 11.  118. 

Dodd,  William,  1.  381;  11.  65,  77. 

Donop,  Carl  Emil  Kurt  von,  death,  1.  374. 

Dorchester  Neck,  1.  133;  importance  of, 
154;  occupied,  210;  fort  on,  216,  237; 
rendezvous,  268;  affair,  11.  435. 

Draper’s  newspaper,  1.  12,  153. 

Drayton,  William  Henry,  1.  230;  11.  38. 

Duane,  James,  1.  378  ».;  11.  143,  167. 

Duche,  Elizabeth  (Hopkinson),  1.  165  n. 

Duche,  Jacob,  1.  80,  143,  165. 

Du  Coudray,  Philippe  Charles  John  Baptist 
T ronson,  11. 2 13 ; arrival,  1.318;  embarrass- 
ment, 333. 

Dudley,  Charles,  1.  121. 

Duer,  William,  1.  378  «.;  on  Cushing,  212. 

Dunmore,  Lord,  see  John  Murray. 

Dwight,  Timothy,  11.  301. 

Dwight, , col.,  1.  109. 

Dyer,  Eliphalet,  1.  115,  119  ».,  138;  Canada 
committee,  190. 

Dyre, , 1.  190. 

Eagle,  11.  11,  n. 

East  India,  American  prisoners  for,  1.  363. 

Eclipse  of  sun,  by  Cynthia,  1.  283. 

Edel,  Benjamin,  1.  66  n.;  comes  out  of  Bos- 
ton, 49. 

Edes,  Peter,  1.  151. 

Edes  and  Gill,  1.  170. 

Edson, , 11.  406. 

Edwards,  Richard,  11.  146. 

Edwards,  Timothy,  11.  106. 

Egg,  Plymouth  prophetical,  1.  283. 


Eliot,  Andrew,  reported  confinement,  1. 73,78. 
Elmer,  Jonathan,  1.  293  n. 

Embargo,  Adams  on,  1.  312;  Jefferson’s,  11. 

356- 

Emigration  from  Europe,  11.  205,  232. 
Encyclopedia,  French,  11.  273,  277. 

Enos,  Roger,  deserts  Arnold,  1.  181,  188. 

Ervin, , dr.,  1.  360. 

Estaing,  Charles  Hector,  comte  d’,  11.  38, 

1 12;  entertainment,  35. 

Eugene,  Francois,  1.  70  n. 

Europe,  balance  of  power,  192. 

Evans,  John,  1.  298  n. 

Extravagance,  prevalence  of,  11.  59,  66,  82, 
86,  91,  105,  1 14,  147,  154,  178,  180,  184, 
249,  264,  269,  289. 

Falmouth,  1.  178;  burning  of,  154. 

Faneuil,  Mary,  11.  136  n. 

Faneuil,  Peter,  11.  136  n. 

‘Farmer’s  Letters’  (Dickinson’s),  1.  3,  5. 
Fast,  continental,  1.  58,  80,  83;  11.  416. 
Fawcett,  Sir  William,  11.  13 1. 

Fayerweather,  Anne,  1.  102  n. 

Fayerweather,  Hannah,  1.  16  n. 

Fee  bill,  1.  219. 

Fellows,  John,  1.  80  ».;  11.  434. 

Fendant,  11.  123. 

Fenner,  Mary,  11.  329  n. 

Ferguson,  Adam,  passport  for,  11.  21. 
Fermoy,  Mathieu  Alexis  Roche  de,  1.  347. 
Fessenden,  Josiah,  1.  33,  38,  81,  no,  169, 18 1, 
195,  219,  264. 

Firebrand,  11.  183. 

Fire  ships,  1.  236. 

Fish,  export  of,  1.  198,  203;  11.  430. 
Fisheries,  sacrifice  of,  11.  106,  107,  109,  168, 
172;  rights,  193,  197;  trade,  271. 
Fitzherbert,  Maria  Anne,  11.  288. 
Fitzsimons,  Thomas,  11.  230. 

Fleet,  Thomas,  article  in  paper  of,  1.  2. 
Fleming,  John,  1.  122. 

Fleury,  Jean  Frangois  Joly  de,  11.  195. 
Flora,  1.  366,  373. 

Flour,  purchase  of,  1.  288. 

Folwell,  John,  1.  137. 

Forster, , captain,  1.  193  n. 

Forster, , Dr.,  1.  143. 

Fort  Ann,  1.  354. 

Fort  Chamblee,  1,  169. 

Fort  Edward,  1.  353,  334. 


Index 


46 1 


Fort  Hill,  1.  237. 

Fort  Mifflin,  1.  375. 

Fort  Miller,  N.Y.,  1.  356. 

Fort  Schuyler,  1.  355,  360. 

Fort  Stanwix,  1.  366. 

Foster,  Jedidiah,  1. 131  n.,  178;  11.  406;  judge, 

I.  219,  226. 

Foster,  Thomas  Wait,  1.  187. 

Foster, , 1.  109. 

Fox,  Charles  James,  11.  176,  199,  208,  288. 

Fox,  1.  366,  373. 

France,  policy  of,  1.  184;  11.  171,  173;  army 
in  America,  1.  241;  fleet,  259;  recognition 
of  America,  302;  supplies  from,  302,  306, 
3°7,  347;  officers,  303;  ports  open,  307; 
war  with  Great  Britain,  309, 313,315, 321, 
330;  doubt,  313;  aid  to  America,  322,  357, 
381;  fleet  at  Boston,  n.  8,  9, 44,  46,  51,  55; 
tories  on,  9,  15;  pennants  in  ports,  32; 
minister,  33, 34;  repair  of  squadron,  61, 78, 
93,  122;  recall  proposed,  100;  fleet  in  West 
Indies,  102,  105,  1 1 2 ; preparations  and 
ships,  125;  Americans  in,  127;  at  Newport, 
140,  1 5 1 ; cultivates  tories,  167;  peace 
objects,  185,  193;  American  minister,  198; 
influence,  229;  Mrs.  Adams  on,  242; 
treaty  with  Great  Britain,  284;  mission 
to.  335.  336,  34°. 

Francy, , 11.  117. 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  1.  57,  21 1,  293  380; 

II.  118,  171,  182,  185,  387  letter  from 
England,  1.  8;  return,  34;  committee  to 
camp,  119,  120,  125,  149;  to  Canada, 
206;  goes  to  France,  283;  reception,  301; 
Adams  on,  11.  74,  209,  222;  Mrs.  Warren 
on,  132;  trade  permits,  137,  142;  recall  of, 
144,  158;  peace  commission,  169,  171, 173; 
Vergennes  and,  197;  resignation,  21 1,  251, 
263;  Warren  on,  231. 

Franklin,  William,  11.  186. 

Franklin,  William  Temple,  11.  186. 

Franklin,  1.  270. 

Fraser,  Simon,  1.  373. 

Freeman,  James,  11.  103;  clerk  to  council,  1. 
83  n. 

Freeman,  Samuel,  1.  60. 

Freeman, , col.,  1.  131  n. 

Furnace, , 11.  436. 

Frye,  James,  1.  91. 

Frye,  Joseph,  1.  91;  brigadier  general,  204; 
resigns,  218  n. 


Gadsden,  Christopher,  on  navy,  1.  81,  31 1. 

Gage,  Thomas,  1.  50,  68,  84,  106;  treachery 
feared,  48;  reinforcements,  57;  courage, 
69;  denounced,  72;  inhabitants  of  Boston, 
98,  100,  102;  governor  general,  133;  goes 
to  England,  141,  151;  proclamation,  405, 
416. 

Gaine,  Hugh,  1.  310. 

Gallies,  row,  1.  130,  154. 

Gamble,  Thomas,  1.  123;  11.  421. 

Game  Cock,  1.  339. 

Gansevoort,  Peter,  1.  356. 

Gardiner,  Sylvester,  11.  48. 

Gardner,  Christopher,  1.  96  n. 

Gardner,  Henry,  11.  407. 

Gardner, , captain,  1.  319  n. 

Gardoqui,  Joseph  and  Sons,  1.  370  «.;  11.  153. 

Gates,  Horatio,  1.  54,  257,  277,  282,  307,  323, 
368;  11.  97,  452;  major  general,  1.  246;  on 
pay  of  troops,  278;  command  of  northern 
army,  329,  351,  357;  victory  over  Bur- 
goyne,  374;  defeat,  11.  140. 

Gates,  Mary  (Valence),  11.  6. 

Gellee,  N.  M.,  11.  127. 

Generals,  continental,  appointments,  1.  64; 
criticised,  69;  method,  79,  85. 

Gentille,  11.  125. 

George  III,  reply  to  London,  1.  109;  procla- 
mation, 11.  426. 

George  IV  and  Mrs.  Fitzherbert,  11.  288. 

George  Tavern,  1.  96. 

George’s  Island,  1.  216,  217,  238. 

Georgia,  defense  of,  1, 170;  for  independence, 
249;  descent  on,  11.  104. 

Gerard,  Conrad  Alexandre,  11.  33,  125,  197; 
on  A.  Lee,  70;  communication  from,  109. 

Germain,  George,  11.  165. 

Germans,  arousing,  1.  76;  not  to  be  hired, 
11.  124,  13 1 . 

Gerry,  Elbridge,  1.  13,  15,  78,  81,  183,  219, 
238,  260,  336,  342;  11.  14,  27,  50,  136,  137, 
150,  248;  elected  to  Congress,  1.  212  n., 
267,  272;  11.  142,  183,  231,  256,  261,  264, 
430;  marriage,  284;  vice  president,  373; 
reconciliation  of  Adams  and  Warren,  374; 
law  on  armed  vessels,  378,  380;  writing 
history,  381. 

Gibbon,  Edward,  History,  11.  327. 

Gibraltar,  11.  177,  182;  praised,  268. 

Gill,  John,  1.  49  n.,  58,  99,  100,  151. 

Gill,  Moses,  1.  319  n. 


462 


Index 


Gille, , 11.  165. 

Gilman, , 11.  100. 

Gist,  Mordecai,  1.  148,  181. 

Glover,  John,  letters,  1. 353, 355 ; on  Schuyler 
and  St.  Clair,  355,  356;  Henley  court 
martial,  11.  4. 

Glover,  Jonathan,  committee  of  war,  1.  276  n. 

Goddard,  William,  post  office,  1.  25. 

Goodrich,  Bridger,  11.  44  n. 

Goodrich,  John,  n.  44  n. 

Goodrich,  William,  11.  44  n. 

Gordon,  William,  1.  144  «.;  11.  301. 

Gordon  riots,  11.  133. 

Gorham,  Nathaniel,  11.  52,  182,  190;  naval 
accounts,  269. 

Government,  setting  up,  in  states,  1.  170; 
form  of,  221;  preamble,  245;  universal,  11. 

367- 

Governor’s  Island,  1.  216. 

Graham,  Catharine  Macaulay,  1.  7 n.;  11. 
241;  style,  254;  letters,  257,  283,  298,301, 
303;  on  the  Washingtons,  259;  on  the 
constitution,  299,  303;  education,  300; 
reply  to  Burke,  327. 

Graham, , Dr.,  1.  158. 

Grand,  Ferdinand,  11.  243. 

Grant,  James,  1.  54. 

Grasse,  Francois  Joseph  Paul, comte  de,n.i25. 

Gray,  Ellis,  11.  1 17. 

Gray,  Harrison,  11.  48;  Warren  on,  408. 

Great  Britain,  intelligence  from,  1.  33; 
elections,  1774,  34;  opinion  in,  74,  84; 
address  to,  75,  80;  preparation  in,  129, 
132;  fear  of  negotiations,  209;  commis- 
sioners, 210,  214,  223,  225,  247;  11.  436; 
property  of  subjects,  1.  258;  fleet,  277; 
cossacks,  289,  295,  300;  army,  299,  362; 
war  with  France,  309,  313,  315,  321,  330; 
losses  of  merchants,  314;  relations  with 
Spain,  360;  peace  commissioners,  1778, 11. 
21,  23,  24,  37,  39;  relations  with,  40;  con- 
ditions in,  89,  432;  conduct  of  war,  99, 
126;  burning  towns,  ill;  situation,  130, 
194,  205;  trade  with,  136;  capture  of  fleet, 
144;  peace  and,  175,  177;  recognizes 
America,  187;  treaty  of  commerce,  189, 
191,  193,  194,  218,  221,  236,  271;  hostile 
feelings,  198;  treaty  with  France,  284; 
commerce  and  neutrals,  367;  policy,  424. 

Green,  John,  at  Red  Bank,  1.  375. 

Green,  John,  11.  35. 


Greene,  Nathanael,  1.  277,  282,  307. 

Greenleaf,  Benjamin,  1.  13 1 n. 

Greenleaf,  Jonathan,  11.  145. 

Greenleaf, , captain,  1.  13 1 n. 

Greenleaf,  Mr.,  1.  238. 

Gregory,  Charles,  11.  300,  302,  304. 

Gridley,  Richard,  1.  91,  101. 

Grinnall,  — — , captain,  11.  181. 

Group,  the,  1.  36,  169;  authorship,  41;  11. 
395>  39^  reprinted,  1.  51. 

Guichen,  Luc  Urbain  du  Bouexic,  comte  de, 
11.  125. 

Gustavus  III,  11.  187  n. 

Gwinnett,  Button,  1.  249  n. 

H„  I.,  in  Draper’s  paper,  1.  12. 

Halifax,  N.S.,  burning  of  hay,  1.  50;  fears  an 
attack,  106. 

Hall,  Edward,  1.  52  «.,  62. 

Hall,  Elihu,  1.  52  ».,  62. 

Hall,  Lyman,  1.  249  n. 

Hall  and  Sellers,  1.  5. 

Hall, , Dr.,  1.  143. 

Hamilton,  Alexander,  on  Mrs.  Warren’s 
poems,  11.  326. 

Hancock,  Dorothy  (Quincy),  1.  no. 

Hancock,  Ebenezer,  paymaster,  1.  285. 

Hancock,  John,  1.  45,  64,  151,  152,  190;  11. 
123,  235;  letters,  1.  57;  on  Washington,  57; 
marriage,  no;  slights  Randolph,  112,  123, 
157, 161, 1 81;  major  general,  243  n.,3 23;  11. 
434,  435;  treasurer  of  Harvard  College,  1. 
310;  in  General  Court,  331;  governor,  340; 
leave  of  absence,  376;  speech  in  Congress, 
378;  not  at  French  entertainment,  11.  9; 
councillors,  12;  takes  leave,  14,33;  opposes 
Warren,  20;  Rhode  Island  expedition,  42, 
44,  52;  entertains  French,  48,  59;  marquee 
for,  53;  an  idol,  54,  147;  on  Navy  Board, 
87;  speaker,  106;  governor,  135,  138,  141, 
145,  149,  150;  292;  threatens  to  resign, 
236;  resigns,  249,  250,  253;  influence,  262; 
gout,  265,  321. 

Hancock,  1.  270,  304;  loss  of,  350,  373. 

Hannibal,  11.  125. 

Hare,  Robert,  1.  273  n. 

Hare, , 1.  273,  274. 

Hare  and  Twell,  1.  273. 

Harrison,  Benjamin,  1.  88  «.,  115;  committee 
to  camp,  1 19,  120,  125,  149;  11.  423;  naval 
committee,  1.  311  n. 


Index 


463 


Harrison, , i.  no. 

Hart,  Joseph,  i.  157. 

Hart,  Josiah,  1.  157. 

Hartford,  convention,  11.  1 5 2. 

Hartley,  David,  11.  208,  282. 

Harvard  College,  commencement,  1.  1; 
Hancock,  treasurer,  310;  catalogue  of 
graduates,  11.  363. 

Hastings,  Warren,  11.  302. 

Haussegger,  Nicholas,  1.  7 6 n. 

Hawley,  Joseph,  1.  57,  122,  173,  178,  190, 
227,  285;  11.  413;  evacuation  of  Boston,  1. 
224;  for  Congress,  264,  2 66,  271. 

Hayden,  , captain , 11.  150. 

Hayley,  George,  11.  241  n. 

Hayley,  Mary,  11.  241. 

Hazard,  Ebenezer,  11.  46. 

Hazard , 1.  305  n.\  11.  87. 

Heath,  William,  1.  13,  58,  78;  11.  413;  in 
command  at  Boston,  1.  304. 

Henley,  David,  1. 323, 324;  court  martial,  11. 4. 

Henry,  Patrick,  1.  109,  112;  on  Braxton’s 
pamphlet,  257. 

Henry,  John,  1.  124. 

Henshaw,  William,  1.  47  n. 

Herand,  John,  1.  301  n. 

Hercule,  11.  125. 

Herkimer,  Nicholas,  death,  1.  356. 

Hessians,  employment  of,  1.  129,  133,  362; 
at  Burlington,  279;  sickness,  300;  in 
Boston,  11.  451. 

Hewes,  Joseph,  1.  328,  347. 

Heyward,  Thomas,  jr.,  1.  294  n.\  11.  241. 

Hichborn,  Benjamin,  1.  87;  intercepted 
letters,  88,  101,  114,  118,  136,  154,  205; 
exchange  proposed,  99;  escape,  150. 

Hicks,  John,  1.  99,  100. 

Higginson,  Stephen,  11.  183,  224,  231. 

Hillegas,  Michael,  1.  123  n. 

Hingham,  Mass.,  1.  12,  14;  n.  401. 

Hinman,  Elisha,  1.  350;  11.  11,  43. 

Hodgdon,  Samuel,  11.  100. 

Hoge,  Jonathan,  1.  298  n. 

Holker,  John,  11.  93,  118. 

Holker,  Mrs.,  11.  56. 

Holland,  not  hostile,  1.  309;  angry,  11.  127; 
to  keep  peace,  154;  alliance,  117,  178,  179, 
182,  188. 

Holroyd,  John  Baker,  earl  of  Sheffield,  11. 
241. 

Holton,  Samuel,  11.  14,  142,  183,  231. 


Hooper,  Annie  (Clark),  1.  70. 

Hooper,  William,  1.  70;  asks  for  opinions  on 
government,  230,  231. 

Hoops,  Adam,  11.  212. 

Hopkins,  Ezek,  1.  271. 

Hopkins,  Stephen,  1.  73,  85. 

Hopkins, , of  Baltimore,  1.  93. 

Hopkinson,  Elizabeth,  1.  165  n. 

Hopkinson,  Francis,  1.  165  navy  board, 
312. 

Hopkinson,  Mary,  1.  165  n. 

Hopkinson,  Thomas,  1.  165  n. 

Horn,  John,  1.  200. 

Hospital,  establishment  of,  1.  93;  church,  93. 

Hostilities,  committee  on,  1.  143,  144,  159, 
162. 

Houston,  William  Churchill,  1.  353. 

Howard,  Charles,  Lord  Howard  of  Effing- 
ham, 1.  141. 

Howe,  Richard,  Lord,  1.  261,  262,  272;  11. 
413,  415;  Congress  and,  1.  274. 

Howe,  Joseph,  1.  41. 

Howe,  Sir  William,  1.  53,  56,  68,  69  n.,  188; 
11.  452;  in  Boston,  1. 113,  210;  in  command, 
133  141, 151511.  421, 428;  proclamation, 

1.  179;  leaves  Boston,  216;  in  New  York, 
263;  intentions,  271;  prophecy,  283;  Lee 
and,  292;  atrocities,  293;  plans,  328,. 342, 
360,  362;  at  New  Castle,  355;  in  the 
Jersies,  357;  for  Philadelphia,  364,  369, 
371;  on  Burgoyne’s  defeat,  375. 

Howland, , 1.  60. 

Hubley,  John,  1.  298  n. 

Hughes,  Hugh,  1.  82;  11.  416. 

Humphreys,  James,  jr.,  1.  51  «.,  260  n. 

Huntington,  Joshua,  11.  78,  88. 

Huntington,  Samuel,  naval  committee,  1. 
31 1 «. 

Hussar,  German,  1.  76. 

Hutchinson,  Thomas,  1.  20,  24,  33,  55,  100, 
1 53)  366;  n.  399, 403, 404;  pension  for,  1. 7; 
Caesar  and,  8;  voyage  to  England,  24; 
letters,  49;  policy,  244;  death,  11.  134; 
character,  165;  Milton  seat,  1 71 ; abilities 
defended,  282;  controversy  with,  381. 

Impost,  Rhode  Island  and,  11.  234,  248;  New 
York  and,  270. 

Independence,  declaration  of,  1.  261,  268, 
281;  11.  434,  438;  recognition  by  France,  1. 
302. 


Index 


464 


Independence , 1.  182  n.,  301,  305  n. 
Independent  Chronicle,  11.  368. 

India,  British,  11.  370,  376. 

Indians,  Continental  Congress  and,  1.  52; 

Kirkland’s  mission,  79;  dangers,  208,  258. 
Industry , 1.  1 22  n. 

Inequalities  of  condition,  u.  291. 
Inlistments,  bounties  for,  1.  211,  258,  276. 
Inman,  Elizabeth  Murray  (Campbell),  1.  70. 
Inman,  Ralph,  1.  70  n. 

Inoculation,  practice  of,  1.  257  n.,  261,  263. 
Intrepide,  11.  125. 

Ireland,  11.  130;  address  to,  1.  75;  troops  and 
provisions,  108. 

Italy,  ports  open,  1.  307. 

Ivers, , n.  158. 

Izard,  Ralph,  11.  125. 

Jackson,  David,  1.  297. 

Jackson,  Henry,  1.  323,  325;  Rhode  Island, 
317  n. 

Jackson,  Jonathan,  committee  of  war,  1. 
276  n. 

Jackson,  Thomas,  petition,  11.  400. 

Jackson,  Dr.,  1.  143. 

Jackson, , 11.  247. 

Jamaica,  1.  75. 

Jason,  11.  125. 

Jay,  John,  11.  125,  127,  130,  176,  193,  220, 
381;  peace  commission,  169, 173, 182,  185; 
minister  of  foreign  affairs,  240. 

Jefferson,  Thomas,  peace  commission,  11. 
169,  173;  minister,  251;  consular  appoint- 
ments, 266;  Adams  on,  331;  subscribes  to 
History,  345,  347. 

Jeffries,  David,  11.  10. 

‘ Jemmibullero,’  1.  2 n. 

Jenny,  1.  193  n. 

Jersey,  island  of,  11.  351. 

Jesuit’s  bark,  1.  370;  11.  94. 

Johnson,  Sir  John,  1.  356. 

Johnson,  Thomas,  jr.,  governor,  1.  294,  298. 
Johnson,  Sir  William,  1.  53. 

Jones,  Ichabod,  1.  100. 

Jones,  John  Paul,  1.  350;  11.  127,  143. 

Jones,  Josiah,  1.  98,  100. 

Jones,  Sir  William,  Poems,  11.  358. 

Judges,  commissions,  and  salaries,  1.  150, 
242. 

Judson,  Adoniram,  jr.,  11.  370. 

Julien,  11.  125. 


Kaighn,  see  Keays. 

Kean,  John,  11.  241. 

Keays,  John,  1.  74. 

Keppel,  Augustus,  11.  38. 

Kirkland,  Samuel,  mission  to  Indians,  1.  79. 

Knox,  Henry,  1.  87,  157,  186;  Warren’s 
creditors,  11.  285;  on  politics,  294;  on  a 
constitution,  295,  297;  memorial,  445. 

Knox,  William,  11.  286. 

Knox, , colonel,  1.  356. 

Knox, , 11.  1 42. 

Labor,  north  and  south,  11.  201. 

Ladies  of  Castille,  11.  326. 

Lafayette,  Marie  Jean  Paul  Roch  Yves 
Gilbert  de  Motier,  Marquis  de,  11.  55,  89, 
126,  131,  272;  Adams  on,  213,  231. 

La  Motte-Picquet,  Toussaint  Guillaume, 
Comte  Picquet  de  La  Motte,  fleet,  11.  125. 

Lancaster,  Mass.,  1.  14. 

Land  jobbers  and  Connecticut,  1.  168. 

Landais,  Pierre,  11.  16,  82, 127,  132, 141,  158; 
appointment,  22,  30,  43. 

Lands,  vacant,  fund  for  credit,  1.  365; 
valuation,  11.  203. 

Langdon,  John,  1.  351;  11.  88;  Canada 
committee,  1.  190;  naval  committee,  31 1; 
naval  board,  324. 

Langdon,  John,  1.  109. 

Languages,  study  of,  11.  369. 

Languedoc , 11.  55. 

Laurens,  Henry,  1.  294  w.;  captured,  11.  151, 
154,  159,  166;  peace  commissioner,  169, 
173;  returns,  241. 

Laurens,  John,  11.  158. 

Law,  Richard,  1.  340. 

Leach,  John,  prisoner,  1.  78,  151. 

Lead,  1.  131,  155,  163. 

Lechmere  Point,  1.  183;  11.  429. 

Lee,  Arthur,  1.  125,  358;  11.  118,  125,  142;  on 
cultivating  Europe,  1.  314;  letters,  360, 
361,  379;  on  continental  agency  in  France, 
379;  grant  of  land,  11.  15,  22,25,  *68,  I7°> 
171,  185,  190,  220,  225,  241;  malignant 
spirit,  59;  dissatisfied,  67;  secret  letter,  68; 
in  Berlin,  69;  Berkenhout  and,  70;  Adams 
on,  73;  Deane’s  attack,  83,  89;  recall 
proposed,  100;  pamphlet,  132;  on  Alliance, 
143,  158,  166,  170;  minister  for  foreign 
affairs,  167,  169;  motion  on  clothing,  225. 

Lee,  Charles,  recommendation,  1.  47;  on 


Index 


465 


British  generals,  53,  62;  favors  pikemen, 
54;  general,  58,  61,  64,  65,  72;  conditions, 
64,  70;  defense  of,  69;  Warren  on,  77;  dogs 
of,  89,  137;  for  Canada,  208;  capture  of, 
282,  283;  11.  443,  444;  deserter,  1.  292;  at 
Monmouth,  11.  35. 

Lee,  Francis  Lightfoot,  1.  112. 

Lee,  Richard  Henry,  1.  80  1 25, 293, 370;  11. 

27;  Adams  on  government,  1.  231;  inde- 
pendence, 256  naval  committee,  31 1; 
jesuit’s  bark,  11.  94. 

Lee,  William,  1.  84,  380. 

Lee,  William  Raymond,  1.  323,  325,  343. 

Leeks,  11.  377. 

Legge,  William,  Lord  Dartmouth,  1.  21,  84, 
360. 

Leonard,  David,  1.  343. 

Lethargy,  11.  442. 

Letters,  of  marque,  363;  intercepted,  see 
Hichborn. 

Lexington,  battle  of,  11.  409. 

Light  house,  Boston  harbor,  burnt,  1.  84,  96. 

Lincoln,  Benjamin,  1.  190,  264,  368;  11.  293; 
major  general,  1.  243,  274;  on  Ticonderoga 
loss,  348;  at  Saratoga,  373;  Charleston,  11. 
107,  no,  321;  on  apportionment  of  debts, 
200;  resigns,  230;  on  Henry  Warren,  285, 
321;  papers,  318. 

Lincoln,  Benjamin,  Jr.,  11.  304  n. 

Lincoln,  Mary  (Otis),  1.  206;  11.  304  n.,  354. 

Linn,  John,  1.  374. 

Little  Hannah, 1. 193  n. 

Lively , 1.  109. 

Liverpool,  1.  373. 

Livingston,  Abraham,  1.  320. 

Livingston,  Robert  R.,  1.  80  n.\  minister  for 
foreign  affairs,  11.  167;  death,  381. 

Livingston,  William,  11.  38;  speech  of,  1.  298. 

Livingston, , 1.  278. 

Lloyd,  Edward,  1.  294  n. 

Lloyd,  James,  Jr.,  11.  357  n. 

Loan  offices,  continental,  1.  298,  309;  11.  448. 

London,  reply  of  King,  1.  109;  commercial 
failures,  313. 

Long,  Pierce,  1.  343,  354. 

Long  Island,  Mass.,  affair  at,  1.  83;  fort  on, 
130,  216. 

Lothrop,  Isaac,  1.  14,  21,  45;  11.  400  n. 

Lothrop,  Mrs.,  11.  79,  103. 

Lottery,  continental,  1.  297, 309, 316;  11.  448. 

Louis  XV,  death  of,  1.  31. 


Louis  XVI,  crime  of,  11.  371. 

Lovell,  James,  1.  287;  11.  142,  434,  446; 
oration,  1.  10;  prisoner,  78,  100,  151; 
grant  to,  204. 

Lovells  Island,  1.  216. 

Low,  Isaac,  11.  265. 

Lowdan,  John,  1.  298  n. 

Lowell,  John,  supreme  court,  1.  150;  for 
Congress,  264;  representative  of  Boston,  11. 
10. 

Lowrie,  James,  1.  189  n. 

Loyalists,  Boston,  1.  48,  84;  Plymouth,  11. 
401;  detested,  1.  50;  conduct,  65;  act  of 
oblivion,  208  Adams  on,  292;  in 
Massachusetts,  316,  326,  369;  Great 
Britain  and,  11.  182;  in  treaty  of  peace, 
218. 

Lux,  George,  1.  93,  94,  124. 

Lydia,  1.  342. 

Lynch,  Thomas,  committee  to  camp,  1.  119, 
120,  125,  149;  11.  423. 

Lynch,  1.  318  n. 

Macaulay,  Catharine,  letter  to  Otis,  1.  7. 
See  Graham. 

Macaulay,  George,  11.  300  n. 

McDougall,  Alexander,  1.  370. 

Machias,  capture  of  ships,  1.  100;  11.  418; 
threatened,  1. 1 5 1 ; defence,  368 ; operations, 
II-4I9,  42i. 

McKean,  Thomas,  1.  250;  letter,  11.  386  n., 
388. 

McNeill,  Hector,  1.  312,  317,  319,  329,  335, 
350;  difference  with  Manley,  304,  31 1; 
decline  of  reputation,  366;  new  cruise,  373; 
claims,  11.  31;  Adams  as  support,  42,  47. 
McPherson,  John,  1.  156,  169,  177,  182;  11. 

427- 

Madison,  James,  election  to  presidency,  11. 
374- 

Magaw,  Robert,  1.  54  n. 

Magnijique,  11.  125. 

Manchester,  duke  of,  see  George  Montagu. 
Manchester,  1.  368. 

Manley,  John,  1.  241,  317,  319,  329,  335;  11. 
31;  prizes  taken,  1.  189  n.,  193  11.  433; 

difference  with  McNeill,  1.  304,  31 1,  366; 
chagrin  of,  11.  42;  Warren  on,  43,  47; 
opposition  to,  64;  captured,  451. 

Manners,  change  of,  1.  197. 

Marblehead,  Mass.,  1.  12,  13,  15;  11.  401. 


466 


Index 


Marchant,  Henry,  xi.  29. 

Marchman, , II.  371. 

Marcia,  see  Mercy  Warren. 

Marine  Committee,  1.  271. 

Marl,  11.  179. 

Mars , 1.  305  ».;  11.  165. 

Marshall,  John,  Life  of  Washington,  11.  346. 

Marshall,  Thomas,  1.  239,  253. 

Marston,  Benjamin,  1.  188. 

Marston,  Elizabeth  (Winslow),  1.  188  n. 

Martindale, , captain , 1.  194. 

Maryland,  reply  to  Sharpe,  1.  6;  votes  and 
resolves,  35;  riflemen,  76;  eccentricity, 
251;  pay  of  troops,  276;  suppression  of 
tories,  291;  representation  in  Congress, 
^93- 

Mason,  Anne  (Fayerweather),  1.  102. 

Mason,  David,  1.  187,  195. 

Mason,  George,  11.  207. 

Mason,  Thaddeus,  1.  102. 

Mason, , 1.  101 . 

‘Massachusettensis,’  1.  40  11.  407. 

Massachusetts,  Dickinson  on,  1.  3;  attack 
on  charter,  8;  General  Court  at  Cambridge, 
10;  Provincial  Congress,  40,  47;  bills  of 
credit,  47,  365;  government  and  constitu- 
tion, 48,60,  64,97, 171, 183,227,  233,237; 
dearth  of  public  character,  83;  council,  83; 
secretary  of,  94,  173;  accounts,  116,  118, 
129,  144,  1 51 , 159;  delegation  in  Congress, 
1 16;  correspondence  committee,  131,  140, 
143;  misfortune  in  appointments,  143; 
grant  of  money,  191;  council,  196,  252; 
representation,  241 ; governor,  243,  340, 
376;  battalions,  246,  257;  election,  256; 
defence  of,  261 ; troops  for  New  York,  268, 
273;  numbering  the  regiments,  269;  navy, 
270;  pay  of  militia,  275,  276;  committee  of 
war,  275;  vote  in  Congress,  285;  board  of 
war,  287;  11.  441,  447;  recruiting,  1.  289, 
295,  299,  303,  326,  339;  constitution,  296, 
3 22, 329, 332, 334, 338, 339, 34L  35°»  368; 
11.  36,  1 12,  135,  147;  regulating  act,  1.  305, 
33°,  334;  trade,  313;  equal  representation, 
327,  334;  freeing  negroes,  335, 339;  Schuy- 
ler’s complaints,  352;  legislation,  11.  87; 
delegates  in  Congress,  92,  124,  183;  pre- 
pares for  defence,  104;  election  of  gover- 
nor, 135,  138;  exertions  of,  152;  treasury 
notes,  1 7 1 ; public  accounts,  203;  evil  con- 
dition, 272,  277,  278;  attack  on  Senate, 


292;  federal  constitution,  303;  resolve  on 
war,  382. 

Massachusetts , 1.  182  n. 

Mather,  Samuel,  1.  78. 

Mathews, , 11.  83. 

Matlack,  Timothy,  1.  250. 

Maurepas,  Jean  Frederic  Phelippeaux,  comte 
de,  11.  195. 

Mayhew, , 11.  406. 

Mayo,  Joseph,  1.  13. 

Mease,  James,  1.  320  n. 

Medee , 11.  125. 

Medford,  Mass.,  1.  15. 

Mein,  John,  1.  122  n. 

Menotomy,  11.  41 1. 

Mercer,  Hugh,  education  of  son,  1.  288. 
Mercury  in  inoculation,  1.  263. 

Mercury,  1.  301  305  «.;  11.  112,  136  »., 

I5I- 

Merit,  modest,  11.  71. 

Mersereau,  Joshua,  1.  277  n. 

Mesplet,  Fleury,  1.  52  n. 

Middlebrook,  1.  336. 

Middleton,  Arthur,  1.  294  «.;  11.  241. 

Mifflin,  Jonathan,  1.  132,  134;  letter,  374. 
Mifflin,  Thomas,  1.  51  n.,  55,  77,  88,  98,  199, 
257,  307,  316;  quartermaster  general,  86; 
brigadier  general,  246;  on  departments,  11. 
124. 

Milford,  1.  317;  11.  438  n. 

Militia,  reluctance  to  serve,  1.  81;  appoint- 
ment of  officers,  177,  183,  191,  197 ; low 
estimation,  318,  323,  349;  bill,  11.  429,  432, 

435- 

Minute  men,  1.  47. 

Miralles,  Don  Juan  de,  11.  153. 

Miranda,  Francisco,  11.  354. 

Mitchell,  Edward,  11.  330. 

Mitchell,  Henry,  11.  136. 

Mitchell,  Nancy  (Bowen),  11.  330. 

Mitchill,  Samuel  Latham,  letter,  11.  359. 
Molasses  from  cornstalk,  1.  368. 

Moliere.  Jean  Baptiste  Poquelin,  dit,  Mrs. 
Adams  on,  1.  19. 

Monarchy,  North  American,  1.  167,  201. 
Monopolizers,  Washington  and,  1.  176. 
Montague,  Edward,  11.  287  n. 

Montague,  Elizabeth  (Robinson),  11.  287. 
Montagu,  George,  duke  of  Manchester,  11. 
208. 

Montagu,  John,  Earl  of  Sandwich,  1.  314. 


Inaex 


467 


Montgomery,  Janet  (Livingston),  11.  306, 

3°  7- 

Montgomery,  Richard,  1.  131;  n.  307  n. 

Montserrat,  powder,  1.  136. 

Moon,  the,  proposed  fort,  x.  130,  216. 

Moore,  Fanny  (Bowen),  11.  330. 

Moore,  John  E.,  11.  330. 

Morality,  principles  of,  1.  172. 

Morehead,  John,  rev.,  11.  188. 

Morgan,  Daniel,  1.  360;  11.  166. 

Morgan,  John,  director  of  hospitals,  1.  142, 
164,  174,  185,  187,  229;  inoculation,  263. 

Morgan,  Mary  (Hopkinson),  1.  165  ».; 
described,  229. 

Morgan  lecture,  1.  17. 

Morris,  Gouverneur,  ix.  118. 

Morris,  Robert,  1.  293,  379  n.;  11.  13,  143, 
170,  171,  184,  248;  conduct,  225;  king, 
230. 

Morris,  Thomas,  1.  379  n.,  380. 

Morris,  1.  314. 

Morton,  Perez,  1.  87. 

Moscow,  destruction  of,  11.  372. 

Mount  Independence,  1.  346. 

Moylan,  James,  11.  143. 

Murphy,  Arthur,  11.  301  n. 

Murray,  David,  viscount  Stormont,  1.  302. 

Murray,  John,  Earl  of  Dunmore,  1. 145;  11.  5; 
conduct  in  Virginia,  1.  191;  rumor,  277. 

Murray,  John,  rev.,  11.  329  n. 

Murray,  Judith  (Sargent  | Stevens),  letters, 
11.  328,  346. 

Muses,  Mrs.  Warren  on,  11.  94. 

Musketo  shore,  1.  314,  360. 

Musters,  commissary  of,  1.  86,  90. 

Nancy,  1.  189  n. 

Nation,  making  a,  11.  295. 

National  Aegis,  11.  342,  368. 

Navy,  Warren’s  proposition,  1.  78;  Gadsden 
on,  81;  Adams,  145;  vessels  fitting,  1 51 ; 
idle,  268;  of  Massachusetts,  270;  conti- 
nental, 297,  304;  11.  440;  local  boards,  1. 
3°5>  311)  3i2j  327>  332?  commissions,  340; 
Boston,  350,  365;  check  for  board,  367; 
suspension  of  officers,  372;  importance  of, 
11.  123;  beginnings  of,  378. 

Navy  Board,  money  for,  11.  8,  12,  25,  61,  78, 
88;  confidence  in,  26,  92;  pay,  64;  im- 
portance, 66;  reflections  on,  87,  122; 
accounts,  265,  269. 


Negroes,  freeing,  in  Massachusetts,  1.  335, 

339- 

Nelson,  Thomas,  1.  112. 

Netherlands  in  prophecy,  n.  376. 

Neutrality,  armed,  n.  154. 

Neutrals,  trade  of,  11.  367. 

Nevis,  powder,  1.  136. 

Newburyport,  Mass.,  1.  12;  saltworks,  177, 
193;  privateers,  193. 

Newcastle,  Del.,  Howe  at,  1.  355. 

New  England,  jealousy  of,  1.  77,  324;  con- 
vention of  states,  286, 293;  British  designs, 
3i5»36i»  362- 

Newfoundland,  provisioning,  1.  98;  loss  at, 
190. 

New  Hampshire,  11.  218;  government  for,  1. 
170,  175,  182;  militia,  188;  misconduct  of 
troops,  194;  independency,  233;  grants  and 
statehood,  321;  exertions  of,  11.  152. 

New  Jersey,  government,  1.  250;  lethargy, 
279;  representation  in  Congress,  293; 
Howe  in,  328,  357,  370;  New  York  and,  n. 
270. 

Newport,  R.I.,  1.  289;  trial  of  Gaspee  actors, 
16;  threatened,  1 5 1 ; British  at,  296. 

New  York,  plot  discovered,  1.  259;  expecta- 
tions, 260;  weakness,  263;  troops  from 
Massachusetts,  268,  273;  force  at,  272. 

Nicholson,  Thomas,  n.  17. 

Nicola,  Lewis,  on  fireships,  1.  256. 

New  York,  tea,  1.  20;  government,  250; 
change  at,  272;  impost,  11.  270. 

Nixon,  John,  navy  board,  1.  312,  254. 

Noddle’s  Island,  1.  216,  237. 

Non-exportation,  efficacy  of,  1.  30,  128,  166, 
176,  185;  except  for  powder,  170. 

Norfolk,  Va.,  bombarded,  1.  200. 

North  Carolina,  recommendation  by  Con- 
gress, 1.  67;  preparations,  230;  independ- 
ence, 232,  249;  ratifies  confederation,  11. 
33;  constitution,  303. 

Oath  of  allegiance,  11.  52,  448. 

O’Brian,  Jeremiah,  1.  140,  163,  185. 

Officers,  militia,  difference  on  appointing,  1. 
178,  183;  11.  427;  pay,  1.  194;  promotion, 
296;  foreign,  difficulty  of,  333,  34I; 
Schuyler,  on,  352;  British,  of  convention, 
11.  4;  half-pay,  237. 

Oliver,  Andrew,  death  of,  1.  25. 

Oliver,  Peter,  1.  25. 


468 


Index 


Oliver  Cromwell , i.  335. 

Olney,  Joseph,  11.  26,  31. 

Omoa,  11.  126. 

Oriskany,  N.Y.,  1.  356  n. 

Orne,  Azor,  1.  15,  190,  229  ».,  252  ».,  286  n., 

32 4.  35°;  «■  J45»  435- 

Orne,  Joshua,  1.  229  n. 

Orne,  Mrs.,  1.  229. 

Orvilliers,  Louis  Guillouet,  comte  d’,  11.  38. 

Osgood,  Samuel,  major,  1.  212;  n.  183,  231. 

Ostermann,  Jean,  comte  d’,  11.  208. 

Otis,  Elizabeth  (Gray),  11.  408. 

Otis,  Harrison  Gray,  11. 341 ; letters,  334, 361 ; 
political  conduct,  361. 

Otis,  James,  1.  15;  11.  401;  commencement 
expenses,  1.  1;  Bluster,  2 Dickinson  on, 
4;  on  committee  of  correspondence,  11; 
curious  behavior,  61;  council,  152;  death, 
11.  223,  224;  McKean  on,  386  n. 

Otis,  James,  death,  11.  78,  82,  85. 

Otis,  James,  ensign,  11.  34  n.,  49. 

Otis,  Joseph,  1.  59. 

Otis,  Mary,  11.  304  354. 

Otis,  Rebecca  (Sturgis),  death  of,  1.  1 n. 

Otis,  Ruth  Cunningham,  n.  304  n. 

Otis,  Samuel  Alleyne,  11.  341,  408  com- 
mittee of  war,  1.  276  n.\  cloathing,  320; 
agent,  369;  death,  11.  392. 

Otis  and  Andrews,  difficulties,  11.  9. 

Otsego  County,  N. Y.,  reply  to  address,  11. 340. 

Paca,  William,  1.  293,  294  n. 

Paddock,  , I.  187. 

Paine,  Robert  Treat,  1.  98;  11.  36,  443;  in 
continental  congress,  1.  27  11.  52; 

supreme  court,  1. 1 50, 1 78 ; to  Canada,  1 90; 
illness,  265,  266;  leaves  Congress,  280; 
speaker,  33 1 ; Springfield  convention,  3 50. 

Paine,  Samuel,  1.  133. 

Paine,  Thomas,  Common  Sense,  1.  204,  208, 
21.5;  11.  434;  influence  of,  1.  243. 

Pallas,  1.  133  11.  147. 

Palmer,  Joseph,  1.  40  66, 131  178, 190, 

253,  264;  committee  of  war,  276  n. 

Palmer,  Joseph  Pearce,  I.  91,  92,  101. 

Palmes,  Richard,  1.  372. 

Palmier,  11.  125. 

Paper  on  politics,  11.  117,  122. 

Park, , 1.  244. 

Partridge,  George,  I.  276;  for  Congress,  11. 
102,  136,  142,  231. 


Passion  flower,  11.  359,  363. 

Passy,  France,  American  commissioners  at, 
1.  381. 

Paterson,  John,  1.  347. 

Paul  of  Russia,  1.  263  n. 

Pay,  high,  for  officers,  1.  79,  194;  soldiers, 
152,  186,  189,  278. 

Paymaster  general,  1.  91;  Warren,  93,  152; 
duties,  218;  needs,  238. 

Peace,  British  commissioners,  11.  21,  23,  24, 
37)  39;  rumors  of,  97, 119,  127;  conditions, 
109,  177 ; American  commissioners,  169; 
instructions,  173,  205,  214;  preliminary 
articles,  184,  186,  190,  207 ; secret  motive, 
195;  acceptable,  217;  definitive  treaty, 
233.  237- 

Peck,  John,  1.  177,  305, 11.  16. 

Pedrero,  1.  54  n. 

Peekskill,  N.Y.,  troops  at,  I.  339. 

Pemberton,  Samuel,  11.  120. 

Pendleton,  Edmund,  1.  80,  112. 

Penet,  Pierre,  11.  6 ».,  148. 

Penn,  John,  1.  230,  231,  280. 

Penn,  Richard,  1.  79. 

Pennants  in  French  ports,  11.  32. 

Pennet, , 11.  265,  269. 

Pennsylvania,  martial  spirit,  1.  51;  riflemen, 
76;  representation  in  Congress,  213,  293; 
instructions  to  delegates,  250;  lethargy, 
279;  government,  298. 

‘Pennsylvania  Chronicle,’  1.  5. 

‘Pennsylvania  Gazette,’  Farmer’s  Letters  in, 
!•  5- 

Penobscot,  expedition,  1.  305;  11.  112; 
evacuated,  237. 

Peter,  Martha  Parke  (Custis),  11.  6 n. 

Peter,  Thomas,  11.  6 n. 

Petition  to  King,  Congress,  1.  75, 79,  84, 178. 

Petrie,  Samuel,  11.  127. 

Petry,  Jean  Baptiste,  11.  130,  150. 

Petticks  Island,  1.  217. 

Petty,  William,  Lord  Shelburne,  11.  75,  176, 
191,  195,  199. 

Philadelphia,  review  of  troops,  62;  Quaker 
interest,  213;  town  meeting,  250;  British 
and,  278,  300,  334;  navy  board,  312; 
Howe  and,  364, 369, 371 ; evacuated,  11. 14, 
23;  address,  226;  pestilence,  334. 

Phillips,  William,  11.  10. 

Phillips,  William,  general,  11.  28,  45;  on 
conquering  America,  453. 


Index 


469 


Phinney,  Edmund,  1.  80. 

Phips,  Jedidiah,  1.  177,  284. 

Phips  farm,  1.  48. 

Pickering,  John,  u 78,  81;  speaker,  11.  52. 

Pickering,  Timothy,  on  departments,  11.  1 24. 

Pigeon,  John,  1.  91,  101. 

Pigot,  Hugh,  11.  175. 

Pike  men,  favored,  1.  54  n. 

Pinckney,  Charles,  1.  294  n. 

Pitcairn,  John,  1.  63. 

Pitt,  William,  11.  241. 

Pitts,  John,  1.  58. 

Places,  multiplicity  of,  in  one  person,  1.  173. 

Pliarne,  Emanuel  de,  death  of,  11.  6. 

Ploughed  Hill,  1.  107. 

Plumer,  William,  11.  382. 

Plymouth,  Mass.,  town  meeting  and  petition, 
1.  12;  11.  399,  400,  405;  annual  festivity, 
1. 19, 22;  letter  and  protest,  20;  threatened, 
151,  177;  privateers,  193;  militia,  273  «.; 
prophetical  egg,  283;  attacks  Warren,  11. 
17;  collector  of  port,  315. 

Point  Alderton,  1.  216. 

Politician,  art  of  a,  1.  160. 

Polk,  Josiah,  1.  294  n. 

Pomeroy,  Seth,  1.  79,  85  n. 

Poor,  Enoch,  1.  347,  354. 

Pope,  Alexander,  1.  37. 

Popery,  danger  of,  11.  9,  15,  39;  loss  of 
temporal  power,  365. 

Port  bill,  Boston,  losses  from,  1.  160. 

Porter,  Elisha,  11.  434. 

Porter,  introduction  of  manufacture,  1.  273. 

Portia,  see  Abigail  Adams. 

Portland,  duke  of,  see  Bentinck. 

Portland , 11.  145. 

Portsmouth,  N.H.,  arms,  1.  339. 

Portugal,  rumor  of  war  with  England,  1.  262; 
attitude  of,  307;  feeling  against,  321; 
recognizes  America,  11.  194,  208;  treaty, 
222,  265;  Great  Britain  and,  376. 

Post,  defective  service,  1.  279. 

Post  office,  establishment  of,  1.  25,  91;  un- 
certainty, 337. 

Potes, , captain,  1.  278. 

Pottstown,  Penn.,  reply  to  address,  11.  340. 

Powder,  1.  55,  65,  92,  93,  99,  108, 169;  efforts 
to  obtain,  66, 1 15, 170;  anxiety  on,  68, 132; 
from  Antigua,  135;  supplies,  199,  238. 

Powell,  Jeremiah,  11.  138,  145. 

Pownall,  Thomas,  Hutchinson’s  salary,  1.  7 n. 


Preble,  Jedidiah,  1.  106. 

Prescott,  James,  committee  of  war,  1.  276  n. 
Prescott,  William,  1.  109. 

Prevost,  Augustine,  11.  126. 

Price,  James,  on  Canada,  1.  52  n. 

Price,  James,  11.  245. 

Prices,  1. 159, 175, 298;  regulating  act,  Mass., 
3°5>  33°>  334!  extravagant,  367;  11.  3,  19, 
32,  104. 

Prince,  Thomas,  papers,  11.  47. 

Princeton,  N.J.,  affair  at,  1.  283. 

Privateers,  1.  182,  189,  213,  255,  267,  271; 
resolves,  227;  embargo,  312,  317;  pre- 
valence, 11.  438. 

Proctor,  John,  1.  298  n. 

Prophecy,  Winthrop  on,  11.  357,  365,  375. 
Prospect  Hill,  1.  107. 

Providence,  R.I.,  continental  ships,  1.  305, 
311,318,  335,  35°,  365- 
Providence,  11.  103. 

Provoost,  Samuel,  11.  284. 

Pulaski,  Kazimierz  (Casimir),  civil  power 
and,  11.  58. 

Purviance,  Samuel  and  Robert,  1.  288. 
Putnam,  Israel,  1.  50,  68,  1 51 ; general,  61, 
64,  65;  at  Cobble  Hill,  114. 

Quakers,  1.  168,  213;  non-resistance,  280. 
Quartermaster  General,  1.  86,  90,  92;  11.  125. 
Quebec,  Arnold’s  expedition,  1. 109, 149, 152, 
248;  capture  of  fleet,  11.  141. 

Queen  of  France , 11.  35,  93. 

Quincy,  Dorothy,  marriage,  1.  no. 

Quincy,  Elizabeth,  1.  159. 

Quincy,  Josiah,  1.  131,  230;  11.  236,  238. 

Rainbow , 1.  305  ».,  366,  373. 

Raleigh,  1.  365;  11.  16,  26,  44,  93. 

Ramsay,  David,  11.  301. 

Randolph,  Peyton,  1.  158;  returns  to  Con- 
gress, 112;  death  of,  161,  181. 

Randolph,  1.  371. 

Ranger,  1.  365;  11.  93. 

Rapatio,  1.  18. 

Raynal,  Guillaume  Thomas  Frangois,  His- 
toire,  11.  136,  1 55. 

Rayneval,  Joseph  Matthias  Gerard  de,  11. 
196,  197. 

Read,  George,  1.  218  n. 

Read, , captain,  1.  129. 

Rebels,  Warren’s  use  of  word,  1.  113. 


47° 


Index 


Reconciliation,  II.  435. 

Redbank,  defence  of,  1.  374,  375. 

Redman,  John,  1.  164. 

Reed,  Joseph,  1.  85,  88,  99  n.,  168,  174;  11. 

414;  a lieut.-colonel,  1.  51;  resigns,  238. 
Reflecteur,  11.  125. 

Reed,  William,  supreme  court,  1. 1 50, 1 78, 226. 
Regulating  act,  II.  449. 

Religion,  jealousy  of,  11.  39. 

Republic,  J.  Adams  on,  1.  201. 

Resistance,  11.  11,  15,  26,  44. 

Retaliation,  11.  166,  352. 

Revere,  Paul,  1.  20,  183,  187;  11.  425. 

Rhode  Island,  troops  for,  1.  273,  323; 
attempt  upon,  304,  310,  315,  317,  329, 
33°.  371)  372»  3775  expedition,  11.  42,  44, 
50;  impost  in,  234,  248. 

Rice,  Nathan,  11.  no. 

Riedesel,  Friedrich  Adolph,  baron,  n.  451. 
Riflemen,  1.  54,  58,  61,  64,  67,  76,  84;  re- 
strained, 100;  trouble  with,  107. 
Rivington,  James,  11.  161,  164. 

Roberdeau,  Daniel,  1.  250,  293  n. 

Robinson,  Matthew,  11.  287. 

Robuste , 11.  125. 

Roche  de  Fermoy,  see  Fermoy. 

Rodney,  George  Brydges,  11.  126,  131. 
Rogers,  John,  1.  294  n. 

Rose,  1.  121  n. 

Ross,  John,  11.  184. 

Roxbury,  Mass.,  town  proceedings,  1.  13, 15; 

11.  401;  army  at,  1.  67;  strength  of,  83. 

‘ Royal  American  Magazine,’  1.  33. 

Ruggles,  Timothy,  407;  at  Albany  Congress, 
11.  386. 

Rumsey,  Benjamin,  1.  294  n. 

Rush,  Benjamin,  1.  263;  11.  164,  381. 

Russell,  Jonathan,  1.  1 n. 

Russell,  Lothrop,  1.  1. 

Russell,  Rachel,  1.  21. 

Russell,  Sarah  (Sever),  11.  299,  302. 

Russell,  Thomas,  11.  258,  284. 

Russia,  attitude  of,  1. 307;  mediation,  11.  122; 

minister  to,  158;  invasion  of,  372. 
Rutland,  convention  prisoners,  11.  28. 
Rutledge,  Edward,  1.  276  naval  com- 
mittee, 31 1 n. 

Rutledge,  John,  1.  230. 

Sack  of  Rome,  by  Mrs.  Warren,  11.  300. 

Sail  cloth,  1.  200. 


St.  Clair,  Arthur,  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga, 
i-  342,  343)  344,  345,  347,  348;  11.  450; 
Glover  on,  1.  355,  356;  inquiry,  356. 

St.  Eustatius,  powder,  1.  136. 

St.  Johns,  Canada,  1.  123,  131,  152,  181. 

St.  Kitts,  powder,  1.  136. 

St.  Martens,  powder,  1.  136. 

St.  Michel,  11.  125. 

Salaries,  reduction  of,  11.  248. 

Salem,  Mass.,  1.  98;  privateers,  193;  election 
disallowed,  253. 

Salt,  South  Carolina,  1.  313;  Massachusetts, 
368. 

Saltonstall,  Dudley,  1.  271. 

Saltpetre,  efforts  to  make,  1.  66, 67, 115, 153, 
157,  158,  163,  177,  189,  193;  11.  430,  433; 
need,  1. 132;  supply,  199. 

Sampson,  Deborah,  1.  305  n. 

Sampson,  Peleg,  1.  305  n. 

Sampson,  Simeon,  1.  182,  305;  11.  112,  127, 
1 36,  r39* 

San  Domingo,  1.  362. 

Sandwich,  see  John  Montagu. 

Sandwich,  Mass.,  1.  368. 

Saratoga,  N.Y.,  1.  348;  Burgoyne  at,  356. 

Saratoga,  11.  141. 

Sargent,  Judith,  11.  329  n. 

Sargent,  Winthrop,  11.  329  ». 

Sartine,  Antoine  Raymond  Jean  Gualbert 
Gabriel  de,  11.  71,  210. 

Savage,  Samuel  Phillips,  committee  of  war, 
1.  276  n. 

Sawbridge,  Catharine,  1.  7 n. 

Saxe,  Maurice,  comte  de,  1.  70. 

Schools,  grammar,  1.  171. 

Schuyler,  Philip,  1.  125,  131,  132,  140,  148, 
J56;  355;  n-  439;  general,  1.  61,  64,  65;  in 
command,  208;  on  Ticonderoga,  295,  343; 
criticised,  342,  344, 353  n.,  357,  364;  inves- 
tigation of,  347,  356;  distrust,  348;  letter 
on  Massachusetts,  352,  364;  Glover  on, 
355)  356;  on  departments,  11.  124. 

Schweighauser,  John  D.,  11.  118. 

Scollay,  John,  11.  157. 

Scollay,  Mercy,  1.  33. 

Scot,  — , captain,  1.  33. 

Seamen,  number  of,  1.  174. 

Searle,  James,  1.  277  n.;  11.  164,  171. 

Secretary  of  Massachusetts,  1.  94,  173. 

Sellers,  Hall  and,  1.  5. 

Sensible,  11.  119. 


Index 


47  1 


Sergeant,  Jonathan  Dickinson,  i.  231,  293  n.\ 
naval  committee,  311  n. 

Sergeant,  Nathaniel  Peaslee,  supreme  court, 
1.  150,  178. 

Sever,  William,  1.  131  11.  121,  406;  su- 

preme court,  1.  150;  council,  152. 

Sewall,  David,  1.  264. 

Sewall,  Jonathan,  1.  2,  101;  Massachuset- 
tensis,  11.  407. 

Sharpe,  Horatio,  I.  6. 

Shaw,  Nathaniel,  Jr.,  11.  25. 

Shays’  rebellion,  11.  279,  292,  312,  314. 

Shelburne,  Lord,  see  William  Petty. 

Sherburne,  Mass.,  saltpeter,  1.  193. 

Sheriff,  William,  1.  63,  123. 

Sherman,  Roger,  1.  293;  naval  committee, 
340. 

Shippen,  Thomas,  11.  186,  290. 

Shippen, , dr .,  11.  166. 

Ships,  number  and  construction,  1.  174,  182; 
destruction  of  British  on  lakes,  279,  282. 

Shipwright,  row  gallies,  1.  130;  number,  174. 

Skene,  Philip,  prisoner,  1.  65. 

Slaves,  in  apportionment,  11.  201. 

Smallpox,  1.  84,  194,  257,  260,  263;  Boston, 
261,  267;  n.  14,  428. 

Smith,  Abigail  (Adams),  11.  277,  290;  illness, 
384;  death,  385. 

Smith,  Carolina,  11.  385. 

Smith,  Elizabeth  (Quincy),  death  of,  1.  159. 

Smith,  John  Adams,  11.  384. 

Smith,  Jonathan  Bayard,  I.  191,  293  n. 

Smith,  William,  rev.,  death,  11.  236. 

Smith,  William,  of  Md.,  1.  294  n. 

Smith,  William  Stephens,  11.  277,  279,  386. 

Smith,  William  Steuben,  11.  290  354. 

Smith, , of  Baltimore,  1.  93;  of  Mass., 

1.  324. 

Smythe,  Walter,  11.  288. 

Snow  Bird,  1.  200. 

Solitaire,  11.  125, 

Somerset  county,  Md.,  tories,  1.  292. 

Somerset  Court  House,  N.J.,  1.  336. 

Sourland  Hills,  1.  336. 

South  Carolina,  1.  277;  seizure  of  arms,  50; 
defence  of,  170;  government,  170,  175, 
!82,  230,  249;  independence,  232;  repre- 
sentation in  Congress,  294;  religious  estab- 
lishment, 296;  trade  enterprise,  313;  Brit- 
ish in,  11.  107,  no,  in. 

Souther,  Daniel,  1.  182. 


Souverain,  11.  125. 

Sovereignty,  offer  to  foreign  powers,  1.  127. 

Spain,  attitude  of,  1.  127;  fiat  for,  198,  203; 
ports  open,  I.  307;  difference  with  Great 
Britain,  314,  360;  alliance  with,  11.  93, 1 53; 
mediation  of,  119;  policy,  174;  treaty,  176, 
182. 

Spanktown,  skirmish,  1.  298. 

Spencer,  Joseph,  1.  86, 95, 349;  11. 418;  Rhode 
Island  expedition,  1.  372. 

Sphinx,  11.  125. 

Spooner,  Sarah  Warren,  1.  1 52  n. 

Spooner,  Walter,  1.  178;  council,  152. 

Spooner, , 11.  405. 

Springfield,  Mass.,  convention,  350. 

Squantum,  proposed  fort,  I.  130,  216. 

Stamp  office,  destruction  of,  1.  358. 

Stanhope,  Edwin,  captain,  11.  269. 

Stanhope,  Philip  Dormer,  Earl  of  Chester- 
field, 11.  128. 

States,  votes  of,  under  confederation,  1.  338, 
375;  reserved  powers,  375. 

Steigner,  Nicolas  Frederic  de,  11.  340. 

Steuben,  Frederick  William  Augustus  Henry 
Ferdinand  von,  11.  12,  19. 

Stevens,  Ebenezer,  1.  343. 

Stevenson,  John,  captain,  1.  193;  11.  424. 

Stewart,  Walter,  1.  282. 

Stille, , 1.  290. 

Stillman,  Samuel,  I.  143,  165. 

Stillwater,  N.Y.,  1.  348. 

Stirling,  Thomas,  Lord,  1.  208. 

Stockton,  Richard,  1.  293  n. 

Stone,  Thomas,  1.  294  n. 

Storer,  Ebenezer,  1.  310  n , 

Stormont,  see  David  Murray. 

Story,  William,  1.  131  11.  101. 

Stoughton,  Mass.,  1,  193. 

Strong,  Caleb,  11.  142. 

Sturgis,  Rebecca,  1.  1 n. 

Suffolk  county,  justices,  11.  120. 

Sullivan,  James,  judge,  1.  219,  226;  repre- 
sentative, 11.  219,  231,  236. 

Sullivan,  John,  1.  188,  282;  mission  from 
Howe,  272,  274;  on  Staten  Island,  364; 
western  expedition,  11.  in;  letter  to 
Hancock,  161. 

Sulphur,  1.  163. 

Sun,  eclipse  of,  1.  283. 

Sutton,  Mass.,  powder  mill,  1.  193. 

Swanwick,  John,  11.  225. 


47  2 


Index 


Sweden,  treaty,  n.  187,  208;  minister,  331. 

Swift,  Samuel,  x.  107. 

Taxes,  continental,  x.  374, 377;  currency  and, 
11.  go;  Massachusetts,  105,  427. 

Taylor,  Eldad,  1.  131  n.,  252. 

Taylor,  George,  1.  298  n. 

Tea,  in  Boston,  1.  18;  11.  166;  Charleston,  1. 
20;  New  York,  20;  privilege,  238;  Boston 
party,  11.  403. 

Temple,  Elizabeth  (Bowdoin),  1.  216  n.;  ap- 
plication to  Congress,  267,  270,  272,  273, 
310* 

Temple,  Sir  John,  1.  216  n.,  271,  316;  11.  63, 
448;  persecution,  179,  233;  consul  general, 
250,  263,  265. 

Ternay,  Charles  Gabriel  d’Arsac,  Marquis 
de,  death  of,  11.  157,  160. 

Test  act  proposed,  1.  178,  184. 

Thacher,  Peter,  1.  144  n. 

Thanksgiving,  day  of,  victory  over  Bur- 
goyne,  1.  374. 

Thaxter,  John,  11.  84,  86,  165. 

Thayer,  Ebenezer,  1.  40  n, 

Thayer,  Ebenezer,  Jr.,  1.  252. 

Theatres,  French  and  English,  11.  244. 

Thomas,  George,  11.  17. 

Thomas,  Isaiah,  11.  405. 

Thomas,  John,  1.  91,  101,  157;  provision  for, 
68,  74,  78,  79,  85;  in  action,  83;  Warren 
on,  95;  11.  413,  414. 

Thompson,  James,  11.  284. 

Thompson,  Thomas,  captain , 1.  312,  350;  11. 
hi;  suspended,  1 1 . 

Thompson,  William,  1.  226;  11.  435. 

Thomson,  Charles,  1.  198. 

Thynne,  Thomas,  viscount  Weymouth,  1. 21, 
360;  war  with  France,  315,  362. 

Ticonderoga,  affairs  at,  1.  272,  296;  militia 
for,  323;  weakness  of,  327, 342;  evacuation 
of,  342,  344,  346,  348,  357)  359;  u-  45°- 

Tilghman,  Matthew,  1.  294  n. 

Tillotson, , 11.  132. 

Toasts  at  banquet  to  French,  11.  48,  57. 

Tolley,  Walter,  1.  39. 

Tolman,  Farr,  1.  16  n. 

Tolman,  Hannah  (Fayerweather),  1.  16  n. 

Tories,  see  Loyalists. 

Tracy,  James,  11.  438. 

Tracy,  Robert,  11.  438  n. 

Tracy, , 1.  168;  11.  247,  424. 


Trade,  colonial,  1.  88,  95;  with  the  enemy,  98; 
problems  of,  126,  138,  146,  153,  155,  176; 
obstructing,  145,  166;  foreign,  184,  213; 
spirit  of,  222;  with  Europe,  11.  3. 

Trade,  colonial  defence  of,  1.  87. 

Trapier,  Paul,  Jr.,  1.  294  n. 

Treadway,  Susanna  B.  (Adams  | Clark),  11. 
386  n. 

Treadway,  William  R.  H.,  11.  386  n. 

Treasury,  continental,  1.  89. 

Treaties,  of  commerce,  1.  127. 

Trenton,  N.J.,  British  at,  1.  279. 

Triomphant,  11.  125. 

Triton,  11.  125. 

Trot,  George,  1.  186,  194,  240,  248. 

Trumbull,  John,  11.  154. 

Trumbull,  Jonathan,  1.  57,  66,  327,  352;  11. 

137- 

Trumbull,  1.  365  «.;  11.  135,  138,  141. 

Trusler,  John,  11.  273,  277. 

Tryon,  William,  1.  24;  11.  416;  on  tea,  20;  to 
be  watched,  65. 

Tucker,  Samuel,  1.  241. 

Tudor,  William,  recommended,  1.  65,  87. 

Tull,  Thomas,  1.  35,  320. 

Tupper,  Benjamin,  at  light  house,  1.  96; 
adventure,  217. 

Turin,  court  of,  recognizes  America,  11.  194. 

Turks,  rising  of,  11.  304. 

Turnbull,  William,  1.  320. 

Tyler,  Royall,  11.  154. 

United  States,  future  influence,  11.  213. 

Valnais,  Mrs.,  11.  245. 

Vengeur,  11.  125. 

Vergennes,  Charles  Gravier,  comte  de,  11. 169, 
210;  character  of,  195. 

Vermont,  11.  151,  172. 

Vernon,  William,  navy  board,  1.  312,  324;  11. 
44. 

Vestal,  11.  159. 

Veto,  governor’s,  1.  242. 

Vice,  licensed,  11.  243. 

Victoire,  11.  125. 

Virginia,  assertion  of  rights  of  colonies,  1. 6 n. ; 
riflemen,  76;  delegation  in  Congress,  112; 
government,  191;  independence,  232,  249; 
constitution,  257;  religious  establishment, 
296;  British  in,  11.  104;  donation  from, 
407. 


Index 


473 


Wadsworth, , major , i.  301. 

Wainwood,  Godfrey,  1.  121  n. 

Walker, , 1.  147;  11.  308. 

Wallace,  James,  1.  121,  145,  151;  11.  419. 

Waltham,  Mass.,  treatment  of  Dr.  Church,  1. 
255- 

War,  nature  of,  n.  351. 

Ward,  Artemas,  1.  57,  58,  91,  237,  254; 
general,  58,  61,  64;  reflection  upon,  63; 
command  at  Boston,  218,  268,  271,  297 ; 
for  Congress,  264;  11.  102,  106,  123,  142; 
resigns  command,  1.  304;  lieutenant 
governor,  11.  145. 

Ward,  Eliza  (Bowen),  11.  330. 

Ward,  John,  n.  330. 

Ward,  Joseph,  1.  249;  recommended,  306. 

Ward,  Samuel,  1. 73,  85, 165, 185;  death,  233. 

Ward,  Samuel,  Jr.,  1.  165. 

Ware,  Henry,  11.  354  n. 

Ware,  Mary  (Otis  | Lincoln),  11.  354  «.,  355. 

Warren,  Charles,  11.  237,  240,  246,  258; 
death,  273,  275. 

Warren,  George,  11.  79, 165,  246;  death,  327. 

Warren,  Henry,  11.  7,  79,  246,  282,  285,  289, 
309,  311,  321;  for  collector  of  Plymouth, 
315,  316;  Lincoln  on,  321;  death,  377. 

Warren,  J.,  1.  273  «. 

Warren,  James,  1.  2,  12  suggested  as 
general,  67,  78;  on  Lee,  69  n.\  occupation, 
71;  speaker,  83,  256;  n.  415;  paymaster, 
1.  93,  218;  11.  445;  resigns,  1.  218,  226, 
240;  judge,  240;  governorship,  243,  340; 
accounts,  260;  major  general,  274;  11.  435; 
board  of  war,  I.  287;  11.  447;  navy  board, 
1 . 312  319  324,  327,  332;  speaker, 

326,  331;  question  of  rank,  349;  resigns 
commission,  349;  dropped  from  General 
Court,  11.  13,  16,  20,  21,  23,  24,  36,  54;  on 
Burgoyne’s  army,  28, 32;  on  navy,  30;  pay, 
32;  resignation,  59, 60,  61, 63, 65;  congress, 
106,  183,  189,  220;  attacked,  117,  121; 
lieutenant  governor,  145;  in  retirement, 
179,  229,  239,  260;  Washington  and,  257; 
represents  Milton,  293;  enemies,  309,  310; 
death,  359. 

Warren,  Joseph,  1.  33,  48,  53,  57,  68,  80 
90;  death  of,  59,  63,  66,  70,  72;  letters  to, 
64,  65;  appointments,  74;  education  of 
son,  288. 

Warren,  Mercy,  the  Group,  36;  11.  395,  396; 
opinion,  1.  184;  characters,  201;  history,  11. 


155,  301,  317;  dedication  of  poems,  318; 
poems,  320,  323;  Adams’  unsealed  letter, 
325;  History,  345,  346,  350;  on  armed 
vessels,  378;  death,  395  poem  to  J. 
Adams,  402. 

Warren,  Mercy,  comforted,  11.  101. 

Warren,  Mercy  Otis,  n.  389. 

Warren,  Sarah,  1.  152  n. 

Warren,  Winslow,  11.  134,  160,  181,  208; 
captured,  139,  145,  156,  159;  Adams  on, 
189  wishes  to  be  consul,  220,  261,  264, 
266,  267;  return,  271;  military  appoint- 
ment, 315,  317. 

JVarren,  11.  26. 

Warren,  Winslow,  Jr.,  11.  374. 

Washington,  George,  1. 47, 61, 65, 72, 77, 102, 
130,  164,  315,  324,  352;  commander-in- 
chief, 57,  61,  64;  on  Thomas,  85;  army 
appointments,  97;  Hichborn’s  release,  99; 
affair  of  Dr.  Church,  121;  monopolizers, 
176;  high  opinion  of,  186;  difficulties  en- 
countered, 188;  want  of  public  spirit,  192; 
on  paymaster  general,  218;  defence  of 
Boston,  257;  pay  of  troops,  276;  powers 
increased,  282;  foreign  officers,  333;  plan 
of  campaign,  336;  northern  army,  357; 
in  Philadelphia,  357;  retreats,  369,  371;  on 
the  Schuylkill,  11.  6;  cabal  against,  7,  343; 
toast  and  salute,  49;  on  currency,  98; 
dictator,  152;  Warren  and,  257,  307,  316, 
4I4;  distribution  of  office,  314,  316;  dedi- 
cation of  poems,  318,  323. 

Washington,  Martha,  letters,  1.  200,  220;  11. 
5;  Mrs.  Warren’s  visit,  1.  228;  Mrs. 
Graham,  11. 257;  on  president’s  illness,  319. 

Washington , privateer,  I.  194  n. 

Waterhouse,  Samuel,  scribbler,  1.  2 n. 

Waters,  Daniel,  11.  15  n.,  31. 

Waters,  Josiah,  1.  157. 

Watson,  Elkanah,  1.  305  11.  113,  217. 

Watson,  William,  II.  315  ». 

Watson, , 1.  24. 

Watts, , captain,  1.  356, 

Wayne,  Anthony,  exploit,  11.  112. 

Wedderburn,  Alexander,  1.  362. 

Weishaupt,  Adam,  11.  341. 

Wells,  Agrippa,  1.  343. 

Wells,  Elizabeth,  I.  11. 

Wendell,  Oliver,  1.  94  n.,  108;  11.  120. 

Wentworth,  Jonathan,  1.  301,  308. 

West,  Samuel,  election  sermon,  1.  256  n. 


474 


Index 


West, , i.  122  n. 

West  Indies,  i.  147,  203;  French  in,  210;  pro- 
tection of  property,  255;  trade,  11.  218, 
222. 

Weymouth,  see  Thomas  Thynne. 
Whalemen,  I.  181. 

Wharton,  John,  navy  board,  1.  312. 
Wharton,  Samuel,  11.  127. 

Wharton,  Thomas,  Jr.,  1.  298. 

Wheeler,  Samuel,  1.  307. 

Whipple,  Abraham,  1.  271. 

Whipple,  William,  n.  78,  450;  on  inde- 
pendence, 1.  233;  Adams  on,  331,  336;  ma- 
rine committee,  n.  66;  reply  to  Phillips, 
453- 

Whitcomb,  George,  committee  of  war,  1. 

275  »• 

Whitcomb,  John,  1.  91, 343;  11. 413. 

White, , of  Marshfield,  1.  97. 

Whiting,  William,  1.  66  ».,  131  154,  157, 

W7- 

Whitney,  Josiah,  1.  253. 

Whittaker, , Dr.,  1.  193. 

Whitwell, , Parson,  1.  193. 

Wiley, , 1.  307. 

Williams,  John  Foster,  11.  382. 

Williams,  Jonathan,  1.  379  n.;  xi.  127. 
Wilson,  James,  1.  276  n.,  293  11.  230. 

Winship,  Amos,  11.  142,  151. 

Winslow,  Edward,  1.  20  n.;  11.  16,  405,  406. 
Winslow,  Elizabeth,  1.  188  n. 

Winslow,  Isaac,  1.  13. 

Winslow,  Pelham,  11.  406. 

Winthrop,  Hannah  (Fairweather),  1.  179  n.; 
removal  of  General  Court,  11  n.;  inter- 


cepted letter,  88  act  of  oblivion,  208  n.; 
small  pox,  257  w.;  death,  11. 32o;Lexington, 
409. 

Winthrop,  James,  1.  60,  252,  254,  258,  260, 
328;  governorship,  243,  340;  for  Congress, 
264;  on  Mrs.  Warren’s  history,  11.  282, 
35°,  355;  poems,  320;  on  Gibbon,  327;  on 
embargo,  356;  on  prophecy,  357,  365,  375; 
on  Warren,  359;  preservation  of  know- 
ledge, 363;  almost  a nazarite,  364;  appen- 
dix to  the  New  Testament,  365;  studies 
Russian,  369. 

Winthrop,  James,  11.  45. 

Winthrop,  John,  1.  16  death,  n.  115,  120. 

Winthrop,  William,  1.  218,  283;  catalogue,  11. 
363- 

Winthrop, , 1.  109. 

Wisner,  Henry,  1.  158. 

Witherspoon,  John,  x.  293  n. 

Woedtke,  Frederick  William  de,  1.  21 1,  217. 

Women,  as  politicians,  1.  221;  rights  and 
grievances,  235. 

Wood,  want  of,  1.  176. 

Wooster,  David,  1.  86,  374  flight  from 
Quebec,  248. 

Worcester  county,  Md.,  tories,  1.  292. 

Wrentham,  Mass.,  saltpeter,  1.  193. 

Wythe,  George,  1.  112,  276  committee  on 
hostilities,  143,  144,  160,  162;  Adams  on 
government,  231. 

Yankee  Hero,  11.  438  ». 

Yorktown,  Penn.,  Congress  at,  1.  371  n.\  11. 
13- 

Young,  Arthur,  1.  260  n. 


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